Zidane's France lose defender ahead of Nations League clash with Turkey

France’s new Bondscoach Zinédine Zidane has been forced to reshuffle his squad after Real Madrid centre‑back Ibrahima Konaté was ruled out with a knee sprain, leaving the side without a key defender for the upcoming Nations League matches against Turkey on Friday and the Rode Duivels later in the week.

The 20‑year‑old Manchester United defender Leny Yoro has been summoned as a replacement. Yoro, who moved from Lille to United for just over €60 million two years ago, has featured only 22 minutes in the Premier League this season, coming on as a substitute in two separate games.

Injury forces change

The French football federation confirmed that Real Madrid’s Ibrahima Konaté will miss both the Friday evening clash with Turkey and the subsequent fixture against Belgium after a medical examination revealed a mild sprain to his right knee. “In consultation with the staff and after close contact between the French national team doctor and his Real Madrid counterpart, it was decided that the player returns to his club today,” the federation said.

Konaté returns to Real Madrid with a sprain as France lose starter

Former Antwerp goalkeeper Jean Butez also earned his first senior call‑up after Robin Risser withdrew with an injury, adding depth to the French goalkeeping options for the Nations League window.

Net als Roberto Mancini for Italy, Mark van Bommel for Belgium also unveiled his first squad, making Zidane’s debut selection part of a broader pattern among new national team coaches.

Konaté out due to injury, Zidane calls up young Leny Yoro

France will face Turkey on Friday evening and then travel to meet België, the Rode Duivels, on 28 September at 20:45, hoping the youthful reinforcements can offset the loss of Konaté. The Belgi side will test France’s depth in the final Nations League encounter.