Former Chelsea and Leicester City midfielder Kante has been added to the French squad for the first time in a year for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Ukraine and Azerbaijan.
Last month, France won their Group D game against Azerbaïdjan (3-0) and drew against Iceland (2-2) and will now aim to book their place in next year’s competition alongside already qualified England.
Kante’s inclusion comes as a surprise to many and Deschamps has now explained why he included the 34-year-old, who has been plying his trade in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Ittihad.
"I'm in contact with him. He's at his best in the matches I've seen him play; he plays every three or four days," Deschamps said. "He's still potentially eligible for selection, and the proof is that he's been selected.
"He needs to maintain his position; he has a certain status, experience. When I call him up, it's to give him a role, not just to be part of the team.
“With what awaits us in this match, which could be decisive, he's always on my mind, in my thinking. The coaching staff and I follow him regularly. It's always a pleasure for him to wear this jersey."
Al Hilal’s Theo Hernandez is also selected whilst Paris Saint-Germain's Warren Zaïre-Emery earns a recall. Kante will aim to add to his 64 senior France caps as he helps guide his country to the top of Group D.