Konate Withdraws From France Squad With Knee Sprain

Ibrahima Konate has been withdrawn from France duty with a minor right-knee sprain, denying Zinedine Zidane the chance to assess the 27-year-old centre-back during his first camp as national-team manager.

Konate suffered the injury in training on Wednesday and has been deemed unavailable for France’s immediate fixtures. The defender, who has won 30 caps, will leave the squad on Thursday and return to Madrid, where his club will oversee his recovery.

The setback comes at an awkward moment for Konate, who had been aiming to establish himself under Zidane’s new staff. Madrid will monitor the problem closely in the hope that an early rehabilitation programme limits the risk of a longer absence.

Yoro receives first senior France call-up

France have promoted Manchester United defender Leny Yoro to fill the vacancy in the squad. The 20-year-old had already been at Clairefontaine with the Under-21 group, preparing for four European Championship qualifying fixtures.

Yoro, formerly of Lille, now joins the senior side for the first time and will have an opportunity to impress Zidane alongside France’s established internationals.

Turkey match opens Zidane era

France are completing their preparations for Friday’s UEFA Nations League meeting with Turkey, which will be Zidane’s first match in charge. Konate’s departure forces an early defensive adjustment, while Yoro’s elevation gives the new manager an unexpected chance to examine one of the country’s leading young defenders at senior level.