Zidane bets on two unexpected choices for the Belgium‑France duel

While Zinedine Zidane is considering putting Andy Diouf and Lucas Da Cunha in his starting eleven against Belgium, the doctor Fabrice Bryand is already talking about a possible extension of Kylian Mbappé’s absence, which could stretch to several weeks.

After the 0‑1 victory over Turkey in his first stint in charge of the French national team, the new manager could use this second encounter to make several changes and continue his initial experiments.

According to L’Équipe, Andy Diouf, usually a midfielder, would be started at left‑back against the Red Devils, a position considered very surprising by observers.

Lucas Da Cunha, for his part, could join the XI as a sentinel in front of the defence, thus providing a new option for protecting the back.

If these two players start, each would earn his very first start in the French jersey, a bold gamble by Zidane for his second match.

Mbappé could miss several weeks

Initially, a ten‑ to twelve‑day absence was mentioned for Kylian Mbappé, but the French team doctor, Fabrice Bryand, indicated that the knee injury could keep him off the pitch for three to six weeks.

This prospect of a prolonged unavailability adds to the questions about the XI that Zidane will officially reveal, leaving the French side awaiting a final lineup.