Zinedine Zidane explains first France call-up for Paris forward Pablo Pages

Zinedine Zidane says Pablo Pages has been given his first France call-up after an injury to Paris Saint-Germain winger Maghnes Akliouche.

France are preparing to face Italy and Turkey in the group stage of the UEFA Nations League, with Zidane also recalling Chelsea defender Malo Gusto, Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni and Inter forward Marcus Thuram.

“Pablo was called up because we had a minor problem with Maghnes Akliouche,” Zidane said at a news conference. “He was injured and simply will not be able to join us.”

The France manager added: “Pablo was in the extended squad. He is an interesting player with different qualities, and I wanted to see him. This is a great opportunity to assess him during this camp.”

Gusto has been included after Barcelona defender Jules Kounde suffered an injury.

“Jules Kounde is injured and we had to make a decision,” Zidane said. “Malo was the next player on my list.”

“He knows the national team. It is true that he is not playing much at the moment, but he already has experience at this level. This is an opportunity to give him the chance to return to France.”

Zidane confirmed Tchouameni was available again after returning to the squad.

“Tchouameni returns to his place in the national team,” he said. “He is ready again and comes back to France. We will see what we do. We have two matches and I will have to make my decisions.”

On Thuram’s selection, Zidane said: “This is an opportunity to watch Thuram. One of the players was injured, which allowed me to bring him into the squad. He knows the France team and I wanted to assess him.”

Asked about the omission of Paris Saint-Germain defender Lucas Hernandez, Zidane said the decision had been made from a much longer initial list.

“We had a list of 64 players at the beginning, and Lucas was on it, like many other players,” he said. “After that, selections have to be made.”

“I chose other players for this camp, but the door is open to everyone.”

France squad

Goalkeepers: Mike Maignan, Guillaume Restes, Robin Risser.

Defenders: Andy Diouf, Malo Gusto, Jeremy Jacquet, Pierre Kalulu, Ibrahima Konate, Adrien Truffert, Dayot Upamecano, Leny Yoro.

Midfielders: Eduardo Camavinga, Rayan Cherki, Lucas Da Cunha, Adrien Rabiot, Aurelien Tchouameni, Warren Zaire-Emery.

Forwards: Bradley Barcola, Desire Doue, Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise, Pablo Pages, Marcus Thuram.

France lead Group A with 10 points from three wins and one draw.