Kylian Mbappé afronta una pequeña molestia en los isquiotibiales mientras Francia se prepara para un partido de la UEFA Nations League contra Italia en Milán.
Zidane names 23-player squad
France head coach Zinedine Zidane announced a 23-man squad for the upcoming group-stage matches against Italy and Turkey. The team visits Italy at San Siro before hosting Turkey at the Matmut Stadium in Bordeaux on November 15, 2026, according to infobae.
Zidane had to reorganize his tactical plans due to several notable absences. Jules Koundé, Ousmane Dembélé, Esteban Lepaul, Maxence Lacroix, and William Saliba missed out on the selection. In goal, Zidane kept faith in Guillaume Restes and Robin Risser alongside Mike Maignan, leaving Como goalkeeper Jean Butez out of the final list. The squad also features positional competition at right-back, where Chelsea defender Malo Gusto returns.
Zidane explained: “Jules Koundé is touched, so a decision had to be made. He knows the French national team. He deserves it.” Midfield and attacking reinforcements arrived with Real Madrid’s Aurélien Tchouaméni returning alongside Warren Zaïre-Emery, about whom Zidane stated: “With Warren, I want to see him in the center. When I call up a player, I want to see him in his position.” Inter Milan forward Marcus Thuram also earned a recall following strong club form, with Zidane noting: “With Marcus it is the same, it is an opportunity to see him. There was an injury and the occasion arose to count on him.”
Captain doubtful against Italy
Kylian Mbappé did not train with the French national team on Wednesday due to hamstring discomfort carried over from Real Madrid. ESPN Deportes reported that the decision served as a precaution regarding his heavy workload.
The player has featured in every single match for his club at the start of the season, being substituted only twice against Sevilla and RB Leipzig with under five minutes remaining, accumulating 17 goals and 3 assists across 16 appearances.
Zidane confirmed in Milan that his captain would not play in the opening fixture against the Azzurra. The coach added that the forward has a small issue in his hamstrings but should be fit to face Turkey.
Mbappé shifts to central striker
L’Équipe reported that tactical decisions regarding Mbappé have created a point of discussion within the squad. Zidane opted to deploy the Real Madrid forward on the left wing while placing Ousmane Dembélé as the central reference point.
El Colombiano said that Mbappé prefers playing as a central striker. Dembélé’s absence through injury for this international window opens the door for Mbappé to return to his preferred central role against Turkey.
Zidane explains new call-ups
Paris FC forward Pablo Pagis earned his first senior national team call-up following a calf injury sustained by Paris Saint-Germain’s Maghnes Akliouche. “Pablo Pagis is called up tonight because we had a small problem with Akliouche, who is a little injured and cannot come with us,” Zidane explained.
“Pablo was on the expanded list and he is a player I want to see. He is interesting, different, and it is good to be able to see him in this concentration.”
Senny Mayulu also received his first senior call-up from Paris Saint-Germain to add depth to the squad. Meanwhile, Aurélien Tchouaméni left the training camp after scans revealed a right inguinal adductor issue.
Group standings and next steps
France leads Group A with 10 points after four matches.
Les Bleus face Italy at San Siro on November 12, 2026, before hosting Turkey on November 15, 2026.
