France defender Ibrahima Konate ruled out of Nations League opener with knee injury

Real Madrid defender Ibrahima Konate has been withdrawn from the France squad after being diagnosed with a mild sprain to his right knee.

Konate felt pain in his knee during training and underwent an MRI scan on Wednesday. The injury rules him out of France’s Nations League match against Turkey on Friday, which is set to be Zinedine Zidane’s first game in charge of the national team.

The France Football Federation confirmed that Konate would leave the squad and return to Real Madrid for further care.

“In agreement with the coaching staff, and following friendly discussions between the doctors of the France team and Real Madrid, the player has been authorised to return to his club from today,” the federation said in a statement, as reported by Foot Mercato.

“He has been replaced by Leny Yoro, the Manchester United defender, who is currently with the French Football Federation’s Under-21 team.”

Konate has been a regular starter for Real Madrid this season, beginning six La Liga matches. He also featured in the club’s Champions League game against Inter Milan.

The defender joined Real Madrid during the previous summer transfer window on a free transfer after his contract with Liverpool ended.