Mbappé Returns to France Squad for Nations League Matches

France head coach Zinedine Zidane has announced his squad for the upcoming Nations League matches against Italy and Turkey. Kylian Mbappé, who had been sidelined due to a knee injury, has been included in the squad. Mbappé scored his 67th international goal in a 1-0 win over Turkey in October but had to leave the match due to the injury. This injury kept him out for three games. His return to the squad comes amid controversy surrounding his comments about former Chinese leader Mao Zedong.

Mbappé's comments had strained relations with Chinese sponsors, and despite apologies from him, his club Real Madrid, and the organisers of Spain's top league, Chinese state television will not broadcast Spanish matches. In a surprising move, Zidane has also selected 23-year-old Pablo Pagis from Paris FC. Pagis was chosen after Maghnes Akliouche was ruled out with a calf injury. Zidane highlighted Pagis as a promising option, saying, "He's a player I want to see, someone different."

Pagis has had a remarkable rise in his career. Just two years ago, he was playing for Lorient in Ligue 2. He helped the team gain promotion to Ligue 1 in 2025, scoring five goals and assisting seven. He then contributed significantly to Lorient's survival last season with ten goals and five assists. Paris FC signed him for €16 million in July, and under new manager Liam Rosenior, he has netted three goals and provided an assist in the opening nine games.

Zidane will also be without several players due to injuries. Akliouche, Manu Koné, William Saliba, Jules Koundé, and Maxence Lacroix will all miss the matches. Forwards Ousmane Dembélé and Esteban Lepaul have been sidelined since mid-October. France currently leads League 1 Group A with ten points after four matches under Zidane. A win against Italy would secure France a place in the Nations League quarter-finals.

Turkey, on the other hand, will face Belgium and France with a new head coach, Sergin Yalçin. Yalçin took over after Vincenzo Montella's dismissal following four defeats in the Nations League. Yalçin, a former Turkey international, signed a four-year contract with the Turkish football federation. This will be a significant challenge for Yalçin as he tries to turn the team's fortunes around.

Pagis's inclusion in the squad has generated excitement, with Zidane adding, "There's an opportunity with Pablo. We'll see how much time he gets on the pitch." The 23-year-old has been impressive in his early season performances for Paris FC, and his selection is seen as a chance for him to showcase his skills on the international stage.

France's match against Italy will be a crucial test for Zidane's team. A win would secure their place in the Nations League quarter-finals, and Mbappé's return could be a significant boost to their chances. The team's performance will be closely watched, especially with the controversy surrounding Mbappé's comments and the new faces in the squad, including Pagis.

Key points

• Mbappé returns to France squad after knee injury
• Pablo Pagis selected for France squad
• France leads League 1 Group A with ten points