France coach Zinedine Zidane has named Kylian Mbappe in the squad for their upcoming Nations League matches against Italy and Turkey. Mbappe, the France captain, had picked up an injury on international duty in September but has since returned to action for his club, scoring eight times in seven matches. He will lead the team in the absence of Paris Saint-Germain duo Ousmane Dembele and Maghnes Akliouche, as well as Rennes striker Esteban Lepaul.
Mbappe's return to the squad comes after he scored the winner in Zidane's first match in charge of Les Bleus away to Turkey on September 25. However, he suffered a knee injury in the game that ruled him out of the team's three remaining fixtures of the last international window. France won twice against Belgium and drew against Italy in his absence. The team is currently top of Nations League Group A1 with 10 points from four outings.
Zidane has also handed a debut call-up to 23-year-old Pablo Pagis, who plays chiefly as an attacking midfielder for Paris FC. Pagis is the son of Mickael Pagis, the former Marseille player who appeared for the France beach soccer team coached by Eric Cantona. Pagis was chosen to replace Maghnes Akliouche, who is unavailable for the matches.
Other notable inclusions in the squad include Aurelien Tchouameni of Real Madrid, who returns in midfield in place of Manu Kone. Manchester United's Leny Yoro and Chelsea's Malo Gusto replace Jules Kounde of Barcelona and Maxence Lacroix of Chelsea in the defence. Arsenal defender William Saliba is not included in the squad due to a back injury.
The France squad for the Nations League matches against Italy and Turkey includes several young players, including Bradley Barcola of Liverpool and Desire Doue of Paris Saint-Germain. The team will be looking to secure a spot in the quarter-finals of the competition, which will take place next March.
Zidane's side play Italy in Milan next Thursday, November 12, and then take on Turkey in Bordeaux three days later in their final group-stage fixtures. The top two teams in the group will advance to the quarter-finals. France are three points ahead of Italy in the group standings.
The France squad for the Nations League matches is as follows: Goalkeepers: Mike Maignan, Robin Risser, Guillaume Restes. Defenders: Andy Diouf, Malo Gusto, Jeremy Jacquet, Ibrahima Konate, Pierre Kalulu, Adrien Truffert, Dayot Upamecano, Leny Yoro. Midfielders: Eduardo Camavinga, Rayan Cherki, Lucas Da Cunha, Adrien Rabiot, Aurelien Tchouameni, Warren Zaire-Emery. Forwards: Bradley Barcola, Desire Doue, Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise, Pablo Pagis, Marcus Thuram.
Key points
- Kylian Mbappe leads France squad for Nations League matches against Italy and Turkey.
- Pablo Pagis handed debut call-up to France squad.
- France top of Nations League Group A1 with 10 points from four outings.
