Deschamps tells Mendy he has to take care of his body

France manager Didier Deschamps has told Manchester City defender Benjamin Mendy that he must take better care of his body 'on and off the pitch'.

The powerful left back has suffered four injuries since signing for the Premier League champions last summer and recently missed seven games with a foot issue.

Mendy is back in contention now though and was impressive in combating Mohamed Salah in City's 0-0 draw with title rivals Liverpool on Sunday.

Despite that the 24-year-old was left out of the France squad for the upcoming games against Iceland and Germany. Deschamps has warned him he must take better care of his body but did admit he feels the lessons are starting to sink in.

'He needs to be aware that he has to take care of his body, on and off the pitch,' said the France coach.

'He has above-average physical qualities, but the high-level requirements make him have to be careful. It's coming, it has to get into his brain.'

Speaking about his performance at Anfield, Deschamps added: 'I saw his match on Sunday, I found him rather successful in the duels - even if it is not his first quality and even if it was for him a back to school match.'

City boss Pep Guardiola recently rebuked Mendy after he turned up late to a training session. Mendy's timekeeping has been a problem before and Guardiola was disappointed by the 24-year-old's tardiness to a physio session, to which he arrived three hours late.

'I spoke with him. He should be here and he knows it,' Guardiola confirmed before lamenting Manchester's roadworks.

'He arrived late, that happens sometimes, in the last period a lot have arrived late because of the traffic. Manchester is under construction, the players arrive late. They have to drop their kids at school.

'I expect him back when he's fit. Now he's injured, he's not a physical problem, he's injured and when he's OK he's coming back and when he decides to play he's going to play.'