Thuram ruled out with hamstring injury, Kroupi called up to replace him

Marcus Thuram left the France squad on Tuesday, ruled out for the two Nations League matches scheduled for November. The Inter Milan striker is suffering from a right hamstring strain sustained on Sunday during the Serie A match against Como.

The French Football Federation stated in an official statement that the discomfort prevented Thuram from participating in Monday’s training session, forcing him to remain in treatment. “With no improvement this morning and after examinations, in agreement with Inter and the player, the medical staff of the Blues decided to return him to his club’s disposal,” the statement read. The striker left the group in the afternoon.

This is the second withdrawal from this gathering following Pierre Kalulu’s earlier in the week. Zinédine Zidane, who had initially named twenty-three players last Friday, sees his squad reduced by two players before the international window even begins.

To compensate for Thuram’s absence, the Federation has called up Éli Junior Kroupi. The Bournemouth winger, a native of Lorient, is receiving his first senior call-up to the France squad. After a period sidelined by injury, he returned to action a few weeks ago and has impressed in the Premier League before his recent unavailability.

The Blues face Italy on November 12 in Milan, then host Turkey on November 15 in Bordeaux in the Nations League. Kroupi could seize the opportunity to earn his first minutes in the French shirt in one or both of these fixtures.