Manchester United defender Leny Yoro gets maiden France senior call-up after Konate injury

France's head coach Zinedine Zidane (L) and France's defender Ibrahima Konate attends a training session at the national team training grounds in Clairefontaine-en-Yvelines, southwest of Paris. | Photo Credit: FRANCK FIFE

Ibrahima Konaté has withdrawn from France’s squad after sustaining a minor knee sprain in training and has returned to Real Madrid.

The centre-back felt pain in his right knee during Wednesday’s training session, with a scan confirming a minor sprain, the French national team said.

Following what France described as “cordial discussions” between the national team and Real Madrid, Konaté was given permission to return to Spain. He will therefore miss France’s first matches under new head coach Zinedine Zidane.

Manchester United defender Leny Yoro, who had been with France’s Under-21 squad, has been called up to replace Konaté in the senior team.

France will begin its international break against Türkiye on Friday, marking Zidane’s first match in charge since replacing Didier Deschamps.

Yoro, 20, is among six players receiving their first senior call-ups as Zidane begins to shape his squad for the future.

Rennes striker Esteban Lepaul, Liverpool centre-back Jérémy Jacquet, Como midfielder Lucas Da Cunha, Inter Milan midfielder Andy Diouf and Toulouse goalkeeper Guillaume Restes are also in line to make their France debuts during the upcoming Nations League fixtures.

Published on Sep 24, 2026

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