Thierry Henry names Crystal Palace duo Michael Olise and Jean-Philippe Mateta in France's Olympics squad - after Chelsea and Arsenal 'blocked their own stars from joining up'

Thierry Henry has named Crystal Palace duo Michael Olise and Jean-Philippe Mateta in France's squad for this summer's Olympics. 

The Under 21 boss is set to manage Les Blues at the tournament in Paris and has selected an 24-man preliminary squad comprised of two players over the age of 23. 

Mateta, 26, is one of those players and he will head to the tournament in full confidence after a bright season for Palace. 

The Eagles striker scored 16 Premier League goals in 35 appearances, with 14 of them coming after the turn of the new year. 

Mateta will be joined in the France squad by club team-mate Olise, who also shone on the back end of the campaign.  

Chelsea defenders Malo Gusto and Benoit Badiashile are notable absentees with the Blues keen to protect their established players. 

However, midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu will travel to Paris and will get minutes under his belt having played just 15 times this season. 

Arsenal refused to release William Saliba as they hope to have him available for the start of the new Premier League season. 

The Olympic Football Tournament runs from July 24 to August 9 with the final scheduled one week before the potential start of the next campaign on August 16. 

Henry has included former Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette in his squad in the hope of securing gold medal. 

The 33-year-old had another prolific season for Lyon and was second in the Ligue 1 goal scoring chart behind Kylian Mbappe with 19 goals. 

There was a place in the squad for PSG's 18-year-old midfielder Warren Zaire-Emery and Bayern Munich forward Mathys Tel. 

Henry revealed he found the selection process difficult, saying via GFFN: 'The last time I had this many rejections was back in school - It's not easy.'