Plane breakdown and Konaté's injury open the door for Yoro
After Konaté’s withdrawal, the coach Zinédine Zidane called Manchester United defender Leny Yoro to join the Blues, as the Under‑19s were struggling to get off for Iceland because of an aircraft failure, and had to postpone their departure to the following Thursday.
Ibrahima Konaté, Real Madrid defender, was ruled out by the French Football Federation after a knee sprain suffered in training on Tuesday; the official announcement was made on Thursday morning. The injury is expected to keep him off the pitch for about seven to eight days.
The second defensive absentee, William Saliba, suffers from a broken back. Despite the injury, he played in the World Cup and is currently working in London hoping for a return as early as December if his recovery progresses well.
Zidane bets on youth
Facing these two absences, the coach chose to trust the 2005 generation, recalling Yoro alongside Castello Lukeba, two of the most promising defenders of their age group. The French national team staff has been monitoring Leny Yoro’s performances for several months and knows his profile well.
Konaté out due to injury, Zidane calls up young Leny Yoro
Yoro, twenty years old, stands 1.90 m tall, possesses strength, technical qualities and the ability to take part in the first build‑up, attributes sought by Zidane for the Blues’ defence.
An aircraft failure eases the call‑up
The Under‑19s were due to travel to Iceland on Wednesday, but an issue with their plane delayed the departure, forcing them to leave on Thursday. This situation placed Leny Yoro close to the senior squad when the coach had to find a replacement.
The Manchester United defender thus seizes an important opportunity to experience the France squad and show that he can establish himself in the new generation of the tricolour defence.
Zinédine Zidane bets on a baby‑inspired assistant for the Blues
The absences of Konaté and Saliba, combined with the logistical constraint, illustrate how unforeseen events can open doors for young talents, confirming Zidane’s strategy of betting on the next generation.