Inside Zidane's Second France Training Session: Mbappé Out, Dembélé Up Front

The French national football team kicked off a high-stakes international window at Clairefontaine, navigating an unexpected illness to their captain alongside swift tactical adjustments under a newly appointed coaching staff.

Kylian Mbappé missed Tuesday’s training session at the national football center due to a flu-like syndrome, according to regional reporting. The French superstar remained confined to his quarters, leaving his availability for the upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures unconfirmed as medical staff monitor his recovery.

Zidane Launches Era With Clairefontaine Camp

The training camp marks the official beginning of Zinédine Zidane’s tenure at the helm of Les Bleus. Following an initial light session on Monday where the squad was split—leaving 11 players, including Mbappé, resting while 12 others took to the pitch—Tuesday’s practice saw the rest of the called-up roster put through their paces.

Players spotted on the Yvelines turf included goalkeepers Guillaume Restes and Jean Butez alongside outfield options Estéban Lepaul, Maghnes Akliouche, Dayot Upamecano, Lucas Da Cunha, Andy Diouf, Michael Olise, Jules Koundé, Manu Koné, Eduardo Camavinga, and Maxence Lacroix.

Tactical Adjustments and Dembélé’s Role

With the squad’s marquee talisman sidelined in bed, technical staff utilized the Tuesday session to test tactical variations. Ousmane Dembélé featured prominently through the center in an advanced attacking role, signaling potential tactical shifts for the frontline ahead of Friday’s test.

The preparation window is exceptionally tight, leaving the coaching staff minimal time to implement structural changes before competitive fixtures resume.

Upcoming Nations League Schedule

Les Bleus face a demanding four-match schedule in this opening September and October international window:

Inside Zidane's Second France Training Session: Mbappé Out, Dembélé Up Front — Photo: ouest-france.fr

Friday: Away fixture against Turkey (kickoff at 20:45 local time) in the UEFA Nations League.
Monday, Sept. 28: Away fixture against Belgium.
Thursday, Oct. 2: Home match against Italy at the Stade de France.
Sunday, Oct. 5: Home match against Belgium at the Stade de France.

Medical evaluations in the coming hours will determine whether Mbappé can travel with the squad to Turkey or if the new coaching staff must finalize their matchday setup without their captain.