France replace injured Zaire-Emery with PSG team-mate Akliouche

France have withdrawn Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Warren Zaire-Emery from their September and October camp because of a groin injury, with his club team-mate Maghnes Akliouche called up in his place.

Les Bleus are preparing to play four Nations League matches during the extended international break. The French Football Federation confirmed that Zaire-Emery would miss the squad after consultations between the national team’s medical staff and Paris Saint-Germain.

“After discussions between the medical staff of the France team and Paris Saint-Germain, and by mutual agreement, Zaire-Emery will miss the camp,” the federation said.

Akliouche, who recently joined Zaire-Emery at Paris Saint-Germain, has been selected as his replacement.

France had already made one change to their squad after Lens goalkeeper Ruben Risser was ruled out with a physical problem. Como goalkeeper Jean Butez was called up for the first time in his career.

Butez, 31, played in all 38 of Como’s Serie A matches last season and helped the club qualify for the Champions League for the first time in its history. He has featured in four of Como’s five Serie A games this season and also played in the club’s first-ever Champions League match, a 4-1 victory over RB Leipzig earlier this month.

Zinedine Zidane announced his first France squad on Friday, naming several players from Serie A, including Mike Maignan, Manu Kone and Adrien Rabiot.

The squad also included first call-ups for Andy Diouf of Inter and Lucas Da Cunha of Como, while Jeremy Jacquet of Liverpool was selected for the first time.

Adrien Truffert of Bournemouth returned to the France squad after a four-year absence, while Andy Diouf was recalled after last appearing for the national team in 2024. Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga also returned after missing the 2026 World Cup.

France are due to face Turkey on 25 September, Belgium on 28 September, Italy on 2 October and Belgium again on 5 October.

Zidane was appointed after former manager Didier Deschamps left the role following the 2026 World Cup, which was hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. Zidane’s contract with France runs until the 2030 World Cup.

France were eliminated from that competition after losing 2-0 to Spain in the semi-final.