Eli Junior Kroupi has received his first senior call-up to the France national team, replacing the injured Marcus Thuram for upcoming UEFA Nations League matches against Italy and Turkey.
RMC Sport reported the squad adjustment after Thuram withdrew from the squad due to a right hamstring injury.
France head coach Zinedine Zidane turned to the 20-year-old Bournemouth attacker after Thuram sustained a strain in his right hamstring during Inter Milan’s 2-0 victory over Como on Sunday, according to reports from Sports – Orange and Foot Mercato. The French Football Federation (FFF) confirmed that Thuram remained at treatment facilities on Monday before staff returned him to his club on Tuesday morning.
Junior Kroupi has been called up to the France squad for the first time, replacing the injured Marcus Thuram 🇫🇷💫 The 20-year-old returned to action for Bournemouth on 25 October, following his comeback from injury 👏 pic.twitter.com/03wwwnwKfx
Kroupi rejoint Clairefontaine après avoir porté le maillot des Espoirs en 2025, période durant laquelle il a inscrit trois buts en cinq apparitions. Sa sélection fait suite à un retour de blessure, l’attaquant ayant retrouvé les terrains après avoir été éloigné pendant de longs mois.
Born in France to an Ivorian former professional footballer, Eli Kroupi, and a Portuguese mother, the young forward faced choices among three national selections. His father told Sport News Africa in March 2026 that his son chose his country of birth because he grew up in France and does not know the Ivory Coast.
Portugal also pursued the player ahead of the 2026 World Cup, with then-manager Roberto Martinez holding discussions with the Bournemouth striker before Kroupi reaffirmed his commitment to the French national team. Formed at FC Lorient alongside Pablo Pagis before moving to the Premier League in 2025, Kroupi scored 13 goals in 35 appearances across all competitions during his debut English campaign.
Kroupi joins a French squad impacted by multiple injuries during the November international break. Les sources indiquent que les Bleus doivent composer avec les absences de William Saliba, Jules Koundé, Manu Koné, Ousmane Dembélé et Esteban Lepaul, ainsi qu’avec le forfait de Pierre Kalulu.
Éli Junior Kroupi (Bournemouth) has received his first call-up for Les Bleus, replacing Marcus Thuram (hamstring injury). He’ll be joining the squad at Clairefontaine tonight 🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/AZlYnbqbp2
France faces Italy on Thursday at San Siro before hosting Turkey in Bordeaux on Sunday for their final group matches of the UEFA Nations League campaign.
Saël Kumbedi arrived as a replacement for Pierre Kalulu after the Juventus defender withdrew due to injury. The defensive department also lacks Maxence Lacroix of Chelsea, while Dayot Upamecano serves a suspension for the fixture against Italy, and Maghnès Akliouche is likewise absent.
Kroupi recently provided an assist in less than 50 minutes of cumulative playing time after returning from a foot injury sustained in late July, following a Premier League season that drew attention from European giants including Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona.
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