Konate ruled out of France Nations League squad with knee injury as Yoro earns maiden senior call-up

Konate withdraws, Yoro steps up for France

Ibrahima Konate has been forced to withdraw from France's Nations League squad after suffering a minor knee injury, with Manchester United defender Leny Yoro handed his first senior call-up as a replacement.

Konate felt pain in his right knee during Wednesday's training session and underwent an MRI scan that revealed a minor sprain. He has been released back to Real Madrid, for whom he has made seven appearances in all competitions since his move from Liverpool, to continue his recovery.

Following Konate's withdrawal, Zinedine Zidane turned to the Under-21s squad to promote Yoro, who had initially been called up to the youth setup. The 20-year-old is the seventh uncapped player in Zidane's France squad and will link up with the senior team ahead of their flight to Turkiye on Thursday.

Yoro has endured a mixed start to the season at Manchester United, making just two starts across all competitions — neither of which came in the Premier League. He featured from the outset in United's Champions League victory over Sabah and their EFL Cup defeat to Brighton, but has registered only 22 minutes in the top flight, with both of his league appearances coming from the bench.

The young defender could now make his France debut against Turkiye on Friday. Les Bleus are also scheduled to face Belgium twice, either side of a clash with Italy, as they navigate the opening phase of the Nations League.