Three major absences hit France ahead of the Nations League

Of the twenty‑three players called up last Friday by Zinédine Zidane to the France team for the two November fixtures in the Nations League, three have already announced their withdrawal, namely Pierre Kalulu (Juventus), Marcus Thuram (Inter Milan) and Aurélien Tchouaméni (Real Madrid) according to RMC.

RMC reported Tuesday evening that the midfielder was suffering in the adductor area. It is very bad news for the player already hampered by the same physical issue at the start of the season.

This setback will keep him out of the gathering. Already absent at the end of September when Zinédine Zidane announced the first squad, he remains hampered by a fragile physique, having missed games and played reduced during the 2026 World Cup.

This situation creates an opportunity for three substitutes, with the French staff having to quickly designate numerically who will take his place. In addition to Saël Kumbedi and Éli Kroupi Junior, a third player on the standby list will benefit from the withdrawal.

Les Bleus will face Italy on 12 November at San Siro at 20:45, then Turkey in Lyon three days later, also at 20:45. These two fixtures give last‑minute call‑ups the chance to take advantage of these absences.