Zinédine Zidane Faces Squad Selection Challenges as Injuries Sideline Key French Players

Zinédine Zidane is preparing to announce his squad for the French national team's November fixtures amid significant injury concerns affecting key players. Estéban Lepaul remains sidelined with an ankle sprain sustained on October 18 during a match against Paris FC, having missed the last three games with Stade Rennais and the upcoming UEFA Europa League fixture against Olympiacos. Lepaul’s coach, Franck Haise, confirmed that he has not been able to train or even touch the ball recently, indicating that recovery is not progressing as hoped. Medical assessments revealed no serious damage, but Lepaul continues to experience discomfort, with recovery potentially extending up to three weeks, jeopardizing his selection for the national team’s next gathering. Alongside Lepaul, other notable absences include Maxence Lacroix, Manu Koné, and Ousmane Dembélé, all sidelined by injuries. This situation forces Zidane to explore alternative options for his squad ahead of the League of Nations matches. Lepaul earned his first call-up to the national team in September and made two starts but had yet to score. The injury spells a setback for both him and Zidane’s team strategy, as the coach must cope with a reduced pool of attacking players for the upcoming international break.