Zidane's Second France Squad: Mbappé Returns as Dembélé Misses Out Ahead of Italy and Turkey Clashes

France national team head coach Zinedine Zidane is preparing to launch the second phase of his tenure at the helm of "Les Bleus", as he announces on Friday, November 6, at 6:00 PM, from the French Football Federation headquarters, the squad called up for the upcoming international break.

The French team faces two tough tests, traveling to play Italy at the San Siro in Milan on Thursday, November 12, before hosting Turkey in Bordeaux on Sunday, November 15. The squad is expected once again to be limited to 23 names, the minimum sanctioned by UEFA, in line with Zidane's approach of preferring to give opportunities to all call-ups and avoiding leaving players in the stands.

Mass Absences and Injuries Disrupt Plans

The "Les Bleus" squad faces physical challenges that have forced the absence of several key figures; Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembélé, Roma player Manu Koné, Chelsea defender Maxence Lacroix, and Rennes forward Esteban Lepaul—who is suffering from a left ankle injury—have all been confirmed out. Major doubts also hover over the fitness of Barcelona defender Jules Koundé and William Saliba, who recently returned to Arsenal's lineup after recovering from an injury.

Conversely, goalkeeper Guillaume Restes is expected to retain his spot alongside Jérémy Jacquet, Leny Yoro, and Lucas Da Cunha, while the involvement of goalkeeper Robin Risser remains possible after regaining his form with Lens. Despite feeling discomfort during his team's match against Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich's Michael Olise is anticipated to be included in the squad.

Mbappé's Return and Alternative Tactical Solutions

These absences open the door for the return of prominent names to the midfield, led by Aurélien Tchouaméni (Real Madrid) and Warren Zaïre-Emery (Paris Saint-Germain). In attack, Zidane could rely on Marcus Thuram, who is in fine form with Inter Milan, to compensate for Lepaul's absence, amid competition from Tottenham youngster Mathys Tel, while Castello Lukeba emerges as an option to reinforce the defense.

The standout event on this list is the return of national team captain Kylian Mbappé following his recovery from the injury he sustained previously against Turkey. The tactical question remains regarding the position the Real Madrid star will occupy in Dembélé's absence, and whether Zidane will deploy him through the middle of the attack or on the left wing, as he did last September.

An Intensive Schedule to Secure Qualification

The French players face a packed schedule; the squad will gather on Monday afternoon at the "Clairefontaine" base for two training sessions before traveling on Wednesday to Milan for the first match at 20:45. Following the final whistle, the team will head directly to Bordeaux to continue preparations ahead of hosting Turkey on Sunday evening (20:45).

Zidane and his side are looking to build on France's positive start, as they top their group with 3 wins and a draw, to officially seal qualification for the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals scheduled for next March.