Saël Kumbedi replaces injured Pierre Kalulu in France squad

VfL Wolfsburg full-back Saël Kumbedi has been called up to the France national team to replace injured Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu, the French Football Federation (FFF) has announced.

The 21-year-old with D.R Congo roots received his first call-up from coach Zinédine Zidane after Kalulu was forced to withdraw from the squad ahead of France’s upcoming matches against Italy and Turkey.

Kalulu, 26, suffered a hamstring injury to his left leg, ruling him out of the two fixtures. He had previously been called up in September.

Kumbedi enjoying regular football in Germany

Kumbedi has established himself as a regular starter for Tobias Strobl’s side in the German second division, featuring in the starting line-up for eight of the nine matches he has played this season.

The Frenchman joined Wolfsburg permanently from Olympique Lyonnais in January 2026. Since then, he has made 36 appearances for the club, registering five assists.

Last season, when the Saxon club suffered relegation to the 2. Bundesliga, Kumbedi made 27 appearances across all competitions.

Former Le Havre prospect earns France call-up

Kumbedi developed through the youth ranks at Le Havre before progressing to represent France at Under-21 level.

He has earned nine caps for the French Under-21 team and will now have the opportunity to join the senior squad following Kalulu’s withdrawal.