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Doué out, Kumbedi and Diouf start: Zidane's surprise against Turkey

Zinédine Zidane fields an unprecedented defence with Saël Kumbedi and Andy Diouf in the fullback positions for France's clash against Turkey on Sunday in Bordeaux, counting towards the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals. Désiré Doué is absent due to a muscle injury.

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Doué out, Kumbedi and Diouf start: Zidane's surprise against Turkey
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Zinédine Zidane unveiled a surprising starting XI for France against Turkey on Sunday evening at Stade Atlantique in Bordeaux, in a match that could qualify the Blues for the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals.

The main surprise comes from the defence. The manager starts Saël Kumbedi and Andy Diouf in the fullback positions, forming an unprecedented central pairing with Jérémy Jacquet and Ibrahima Konaté. A defensive setup that Zidane had never previously fielded.

In attack, Désiré Doué is unavailable due to a muscle problem. Kylian Mbappé makes his return to the starting XI, flanked by Michael Olise and Bradley Barcola. The midfield that performed well during Thursday’s trip to Milan is retained unchanged, with Lucas Da Cunha, Rayan Cherki and Adrien Rabiot leading the way.

Qualification could be secured tonight: a draw is enough for the Blues to secure their quarter-final ticket. A defeat could also work in their favour if Belgium does not beat Italy at the same time.

France’s XI against Turkey

Maignan — Kumbedi, Jacquet, Konaté, Diouf — Cherki, Da Cunha, Rabiot — Olise, Mbappé, Barcola.

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