A setback before Zidane’s first match
Zinedine Zidane has not even overseen a full training session with the senior side and the federation is already dealing with a problem. Ibrahima Konate has picked up a slight right knee sprain in training before the trip to Turkey. An MRI confirmed the diagnosis later in the day.
The FFF statement leaves no room for doubt about what happens next. In agreement with Real Madrid’s medical staff, the defender has been released back to his club today. Konate will therefore miss the 25 September meeting at 20h45 against Turkey. It is a special one for Les Bleus: Zidane’s first game on the France bench, ten years after he stepped away from the international stage as a player.
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Yoro called up from the Under-21s
To replace him, the federation has gone straight to the Under-21 pool. Leny Yoro, who was with France U21 at the National Football Centre in Clairefontaine, has joined the senior squad. It is a rapid promotion that says plenty about the strength of the current French defensive talent, with a ready-made replacement available at short notice.
The episode is another reminder that the centre of defence has been a concern for Les Bleus for several seasons, with recurring injuries and enforced changes. Konate himself has already missed several camps in recent years with similar fitness issues.
A symbolic first step for Zidane
For Zidane, the timing could hardly be more symbolic. Having to handle a late withdrawal before even his first kick-off is a taste of the sort of headaches every national coach has to live with. The only question now is whether Yoro will get minutes on Friday, or whether he will have to wait on the bench for his senior debut.
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