France face Belgium without Ibrahima Konaté, a test for Zidane
France enters the Zidane era without Ibrahima Konaté, who left the French squad’s gathering after a sprain of the right knee, ruling him out for the two matches against Belgium and the Red Devils in the Nations League window.
© Photo News released the information, and readers are invited to add the page to their Google favorites.
The French squad without Konaté
© Photo News confirmed that the 27‑year‑old defender, Ibrahima Konaté, was declared “injured to the right knee and suffering a mild sprain” by the French Football Federation. Real Madrid received the player, now returned to the disposal of his club. To replace him, the manager Zinedine Zidane called up Leny Yoro, Manchester United defender, who, at 20, celebrates his first national team call‑up.
It is the third withdrawal since the squad announcement on Friday, after goalkeeper Robin Risser (Lens) and midfielder Warren Zaïre‑Emery (Paris Saint‑Germain). They were respectively replaced by former Mouscron and Antwerp goalkeeper Jean Butez, and by Maghnes Akliouche of PSG. France will open the Zidane era with trips to Turkey on 25 September and to Belgium on 28 September, before hosting Italy and the Red Devils on 2 and 5 October at the Stade de France.
Zidane makes debut against Turkey in Nations League appearance
Relief for Real Madrid
Real Madrid received relief after journalist Arancha Rodriguez indicated that the examinations carried out in France revealed no serious injury to Konaté. The defender, formerly of Liverpool, therefore has a minor sprain that should heal during the international break. A photo by Dan Mullan illustrated the report, reminding that the club could not afford another loss of a defender with Eder Militao still unavailable.
Konaté is expected to be available for the Villarreal match scheduled for next month, according to the same sources. José Mourinho may decide to play him, although the defender is under observation after Dean Huijsen’s one‑match suspension for a red card against Atlético Madrid. The club thus hopes to stabilise its central defence before the return of Federico Valverde, also injured.
While the Blues will have to reorganise their defensive line without Konaté against Belgium, Real Madrid is counting on the player’s quick recovery to fill the void left by Valverde. Both teams are therefore preparing for different challenges: France seeking defensive solidity, Spain aiming to secure its midfield.
Zidane's France lose defender ahead of Nations League clash with Turkey
This double scenario shows how the same injury can create an opportunity for a club while complicating a national team’s international campaign. The upcoming fixtures, including the France‑Belgium duel, will reveal the real impact of Konaté’s absence.