Zidane weighs France selection options as injuries hit key positions

Zinedine Zidane is facing a series of selection problems before naming his next France squad on Friday, with several important players still unavailable because of injury.

The France manager encountered similar difficulties during September’s international break, when William Saliba and Aurelien Tchouameni were absent. Ibrahima Konate later joined them on the sidelines and was replaced in the squad by Leny Yoro.

According to Foot Mercato, Saliba is still expected to be out for several weeks, while Maxence Lacroix is recovering from a hamstring tear that could keep him out until the end of the year.

Dayot Upamecano, Jeremy Jacquet and Konate appear certain to occupy three of the four central-defensive places. The remaining position is likely to be contested by Yoro, who has not yet produced the expected level for Manchester United but impressed for France last month, Lucas Hernandez, who has made a positive impression in recent appearances for Paris Saint-Germain, and Wesley Fofana, who caught the eye against Manchester United on Saturday.

France are listed to face Italy in the first path of the Nations League on 12 November 2026.

Doubts at full-back and in midfield

There is also uncertainty over Jules Kounde, who missed Barcelona’s matches against Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain after suffering an ankle sprain. His absence could allow Pierre Kalulu to return on the right side of the defence.

The other right-back position remains difficult to predict. Malo Gusto’s limited involvement at Chelsea works against him, while Jonathan Clauss has improved noticeably at Nice but does not fully meet Zidane’s criteria. The manager is also prioritising the development of the squad for the future.

Benjamin Pavard is unavailable with an injury. Andy Diouf could have offered another option on the right, but Zidane used him on the left during the first international break and may continue to view him in that role.

In midfield, Manu Kone is unlikely to recover from his thigh injury in time for the next training camp. Zidane is, however, waiting for Aurelien Tchouameni, Warren Zaire-Emery and Adrien Rabiot to return. Rabiot scored for AC Milan in Saturday’s derby against Inter, which Milan won 3-1.

Eduardo Camavinga and Lucas Da Cunha are expected to retain their places. Zidane’s decision to use Rayan Cherki in midfield during the previous international break also makes major changes in that area less likely.

Attacking places uncertain

France have more options in attack, although injuries could force Zidane to consider less familiar names. Esteban Lepaul was included in the previous squad because of the number of absentees in the forward positions.

Ousmane Dembele is unavailable, while Michael Olise’s involvement is uncertain after he was injured against Dortmund on Saturday. Lepaul is also sidelined with a left-ankle problem.

That situation could lead to a recall for Inter Milan forward Marcus Thuram, who has been in good form. Telefoot has identified him as one of the candidates to cover the attacking absences.

Eli Junior Kroupi’s first France call-up may be delayed despite strong anticipation around his selection. The Bournemouth striker had been out for several months with an injury, but is gradually rebuilding his fitness and provided an assist during a 22-minute appearance against Leeds this week.