The France camp has lost a central defensive option before the Nations League schedule begins, with Ibrahima Konaté ruled out after injuring his right knee in training on Wednesday.
Konaté sidelined for four Nations League fixtures
Konaté, who had made an encouraging start to the season at Real Madrid, suffered a minor sprain to his right knee while preparing with France. The French Football Federation confirmed on Thursday morning that the former Liverpool defender would not be available for any of the squad’s four upcoming Nations League matches.
- Turkey on Friday, kicking off at 20:45.
- Belgium on 28 September.
- Italy on 2 October.
- Belgium again on 5 October.
The injury interrupts a period in which the centre-back had been settling into life in Madrid and attempting to establish himself in the national-team picture.
First senior call-up for Leny Yoro
Zinédine Zidane has turned to Leny Yoro as Konaté’s replacement in the 23-man France squad. The Manchester United defender receives his first call-up to the senior national side at the age of 20.
Yoro, formerly of Lille, now has the chance to join the squad during a demanding sequence of four international matches. His selection gives France another young central defender, while Konaté begins his recovery from the knee problem.
