France consider Mbappe return as Zidane demands Nations League reaction against Turkey

France are expected to recall Kylian Mbappe to their starting XI when they face Turkey on Sunday evening, as Zinedine Zidane’s side look to recover from their 3-1 defeat by Italy in the Nations League on Thursday.

Mbappe missed the loss because of discomfort in his thigh, but the forward was involved in preparations for the final match of the group stage in Bordeaux. France’s final training session on Saturday also offered clues about Zidane’s defensive and midfield selections.

The France manager rejected suggestions of tension between himself and Mbappe, who plays for Real Madrid, during his pre-match news conference.

“I don’t understand that, but it is not serious,” Zidane said. “My relationship with him is that of a manager with his player, and everything is going perfectly.”

The match will be played at Matmut Atlantique in Bordeaux, with France seeking to end the group stage positively after surrendering a lead against Italy. Michael Olise scored first in that match before Italy responded to win 3-1.

According to French outlet RMC Sport, Andy Diouf appeared at right-back during part of Saturday’s tactical practice. He was in the yellow-bibbed group alongside centre-backs Jeremy Jacquet and Ibrahima Konate.

Adrien Truffert began the session in the same group but finished without a yellow bib, leaving some uncertainty over the final defensive selection.

Warren Zaire-Emery and Lucas Da Cunha were used in midfield. Eduardo Camavinga and Rayan Cherki are competing for the remaining place in the three-man unit.

In attack, Michael Olise and Bradley Barcola were expected to line up alongside Mbappe, in what would mark the forward’s return to the starting team.

France’s predicted line-up is:

Goalkeeper: Mike Maignan

Defenders: Andy Diouf, Jeremy Jacquet, Ibrahima Konate, Adrien Truffert

Midfielders: Warren Zaire-Emery, Lucas Da Cunha, Eduardo Camavinga or Rayan Cherki

Forwards: Michael Olise, Kylian Mbappe, Bradley Barcola

France and Italy lead the group with 10 points each. Belgium are third on nine points, while Turkey are bottom without a point. The final round of matches will therefore decide which teams progress to the quarter-finals.

France began their Nations League campaign with positive results before the setback against Italy. They won the reverse fixture against Turkey 1-0 on Turkish soil and Zidane will hope to repeat that result at Matmut Atlantique, while putting Thursday’s defeat behind them.