Lucas Chevalier’s France hopes hit setback amid Paris Saint-Germain stand-off

Lucas Chevalier’s hopes of establishing himself with France have suffered a major setback after he failed to make a competitive appearance for Paris Saint-Germain this season.

The 24-year-old goalkeeper moved to Paris Saint-Germain seeking the next step in his career, but has remained on the substitutes’ bench under Luis Enrique. His continued absence has raised doubts over his future at the club and increased the possibility of a move in January.

Chevalier has not played in a competitive match for Paris Saint-Germain this season. His last official appearance came on 23 January, while his only outing during the current campaign was a summer friendly against Mallorca.

He has continued to work behind Russian goalkeeper Matvey Safonov, a situation that has limited his opportunities to develop and damaged his prospects of regaining a place in the France squad.

According to French website Foot Mercato, citing L’Equipe, Chevalier has no intention of giving up on his position at Paris Saint-Germain. Although he is frustrated by his lack of involvement, people close to him say he remains committed to competing for his opportunity.

“He is still patient and working hard, and he has accepted his situation in the shadows,” a source close to the player said.

Chevalier chose to remain in Paris during the summer after holding discussions with Luis Enrique. Those talks gave him hope that his circumstances could change and that he would be able to challenge for the starting role.

However, the lack of regular football has left him facing a difficult decision. To return to contention for France, he needs consistent match action, rather than continued time on the bench.

A source close to Chevalier has not ruled out a departure in January if his situation does not improve over the coming weeks. Paris Saint-Germain are also understood to be open to that possibility.

“It is still too early, and we do not know what may happen over the coming months,” a source close to the club told the report.

The Paris Saint-Germain hierarchy is still hopeful that the goalkeeping order could change, particularly if Safonov’s performances decline. Nevertheless, the club continues to have confidence in the Russian, while there had previously been reservations about Chevalier’s displays during the early months of his time with the team.

Paris Saint-Germain’s interest in signing Zyon Suzuki, before the goalkeeper moved to Aston Villa, also highlighted questions within the club about the position.

Chevalier must now decide whether he can force his way into Luis Enrique’s side or seek a new club where he can secure the regular playing time required to revive both his domestic ambitions and his hopes of representing France.