Akliouche replaces PSG teammate Zaire-Emery in France squad for Nations League

Paris Saint-Germain signed Maghnes Akliouche from AS Monaco on a five-year deal ahead of the 2026-27 season. | Photo Credit: AP

France has called up Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Maghnes Akliouche to replace the injured Warren Zaire-Emery for upcoming Nations League matches, the French Football Federation said on Monday.

“Following discussions between the medical staff of the French national team and the Paris Saint-Germain club (Ligue 1), and in full agreement, Warren Zaïre-Emery, who has an adductor injury, is unavailable for the French national team’s training camp, which begins this Monday at the CNF Clairefontaine (Yvelines) in preparation for the first four matches of the 2026-2027 UEFA Nations League,” the federation said in a statement.

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Zaire-Emery becomes the second player to pull out of the squad after Lens goalkeeper Robin Risser was also ruled out and replaced by Jean Butez, who plays for Como in Italy.

The upcoming matches will be former player Zinedine Zidane’s first challenge with the national team after taking over as head coach from Didier Deschamps after the FIFA World Cup 2026.

France will face Turkey on September 25 and Belgium three days later, then will host Italy on October 2 and Belgium on October 5.