Warren Zaire-Emery injury forces France withdrawal as Zinedine Zidane calls up Maghnes Akliouche

Zinedine Zidane’s France squad has suffered a second setback, with Warren Zaire-Emery ruled out of the national team camp because of an adductor injury.

The Paris Saint-Germain midfielder’s absence follows the earlier departure of Robin Risser, who was replaced in the squad by Jean Butez.

The France coaching staff confirmed Zaire-Emery would not be available after discussions between the national team’s medical department and Paris Saint-Germain. Both parties agreed that the 19-year-old should withdraw from the squad.

“Following discussions between the medical staff of the France team and Paris Saint-Germain, and with the full agreement of both parties, Warren Zaire-Emery, who is suffering from an adductor injury, is unavailable to take part with the team,” the coaching staff said.

Zidane has called up Paris Saint-Germain player Maghnes Akliouche as Zaire-Emery’s replacement, according to French outlet Foot Mercato.

Akliouche was among the notable omissions from the initial squad and has now been given a fresh opportunity to join the France team.

Zaire-Emery’s injury comes at an inconvenient time for the Paris Saint-Germain player. He recently featured at right-back in the match against Marseille but had hoped to use the international camp to demonstrate his ability in his preferred midfield position.

Zidane had made clear that he intended to use Zaire-Emery in midfield. The injury has therefore denied the player an important chance to show his qualities in the role he favours for France.