RC Lens lose keeper Risser before France's squad gathering

RC Lens goalkeeper Robin Risser will not join the Bleus for the next gathering, with the French Football Federation announcing on Sunday his withdrawal due to a physical decline. Aged twenty‑one, he had nevertheless been called up by Zinedine Zidane.

After a consultation between the medical staffs of the France team and RC Lens, the doctors concluded that the goalkeeper was physically diminished. This assessment led the Federation to remove him from the squad. The twenty‑one‑year‑old keeper was therefore ruled out.

The Bleus' training camp includes four matches scheduled during the international window. Risser will therefore not be able to play in those games. His absence lasts eleven days.

A decisive call‑up

This call‑up represented a major milestone for the young goalkeeper. He was closely monitored by the tricolour staff and had even been selected by Didier Deschamps for the 2026 World Cup. The refusal to take part is a personal disappointment.

For RC Lens, the news is a hard blow for the Lensois. The club will have to monitor the physical evolution of its goalkeeper so that he quickly regains his full capabilities. The staff hopes for his return as soon as possible. A long international break is looming, but the absence of the starter remains problematic.

Jean Butez called as replacement

Zinedine Zidane therefore called up Jean Butez, the French goalkeeper from Como. It is the first call‑up of the Como keeper to the France A team. Butez will replace Risser for the training camp and the four matches.

The decision was made in consultation with RC Lens, in order not to take any risk with the player's physical condition. An official tweet from the France team confirmed the replacement, showing the photo of the new goalkeeper. Risser will have to wait before rejoining the Bleus.