Lacroix injured, Gadou or Lukeba could enter Zidane's squad

Maxence Lacroix left the pitch with an injury Wednesday evening during Chelsea’s League Cup elimination against Liverpool, suffering a right thigh problem. A two-week absence would be enough to rule him out of France’s next international gathering, with the squad list to be unveiled by Zinédine Zidane on Friday, November 6.

France face Italy in Milan and then Turkey in Bordeaux as part of the Nations League. In central defence, Dayot Upamecano, Ibrahima Konaté and Jérémy Jacquet are expected to be retained, barring any surprises. It is therefore the fourth slot that could see a change in starter.

The natural alternatives are themselves hampered by fitness issues. William Saliba remains unavailable, and Ismaëlo Ganiou, the Lens defender in great form since last season, has just undergone knee surgery.

Zidane could then turn to the Bundesliga. Two names are circulating: Joane Gadou, 19, who has made an impressive start to the season with Dortmund, and Castello Lukeba, 23, very consistent with Leipzig. A call-up would be a first for Gadou. Lukeba already has one cap, earned in October 2023 against Scotland under the previous regime.

In attack, injuries to Ousmane Dembélé and Estéban Lepaul also suggest changes to the squad, which could make this list the most overhauled since Zidane took office.