Zidane prepares a different second squad ahead of the Italy matches
The return of the France team is fast approaching: in less than fifteen days, on Friday November 6, coach Zinedine Zidane will present his second squad of the Bleus for the two final matches of the first round of the Nations League, one in Italy and the other against Turkey.
List altered by injuries
Zidane has already confirmed that this second squad will differ from the previous one, injuries requiring adjustments. Among the absent players, Ousmane Dembélé, who suffered a thigh injury against Barcelona, will not return before the international break. Esteban Lepaul, who hurt his ankle, remains unavailable after missing the games against Juventus and Strasbourg. Manu Koné, also injured in the thigh, is not expected for the matches in Italy.
Ousmane Dembélé was injured in the thigh during the match against Barcelona. The coach indicated that he is unlikely to play before the international break, making his presence in November very doubtful.
Esteban Lepaul suffers an ankle sprain. He has already missed the fixtures against Juventus and Strasbourg, and is not yet fit to return.
Manu Koné, who plays for AS Rome, injured his thigh in the Champions League against Real Madrid. No Manu Koné either, the midfielder remains uncertain for November 6. His coach mentioned a possible return for the Sassuolo match on November 7, the day after the Bleus' squad is announced.
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Zidane's tactical options
Facing these absences, Zidane could bring in Marcus Thuran, in great form with Inter Milan. The player could thus fill the position left vacant by Lepaul.
Zidane already favoured caution in September, selecting Aurélien Tchouaméni after his 90‑minute performance in the Clasico against FC Barcelona. The midfielder remains a reliable option for the match in Italy.
Warren Zaïre-Emery, initially ruled out in the first squad, is now fit and available for selection. His presence strengthens the Bleus' bench.
Thus, the juxtaposition of serious injuries and in‑form alternatives shows that Zidane will have to balance caution and ambition for the two final fixtures of the Nations League. The final decision, revealed on November 6, will determine the Bleus' ability to remain competitive in Italy and against Turkey.