France squad: Zaïre-Emery and Akliouche in contention for midfield

Zidane to name France squad Friday; Zaïre-Emery and Akliouche competing for midfield spot ahead of Italy and Turkey Nations League matches.

Zinédine Zidane will announce his second France squad as manager on Friday for Nations League fixtures against Italy (12 November) and Turkey (15 November). The manager is expected to make adjustments in midfield after his promising first camp in late September and early October.

Aurélien Tchouaméni could return to the squad after missing the first selection, potentially replacing Manu Koné, who has been sidelined since mid-October at AS Roma. However, Tchouaméni's fitness is a concern after missing Real Madrid's 3-2 Champions League win over AEK Athens on Wednesday.

The final midfield spot is set to be contested between Warren Zaïre-Emery, who was called up in September but withdrew before the first camp, and Maghnes Akliouche, who was initially selected as PSG backup cover. Zidane is expected to favour Zaïre-Emery, who has been performing well for PSG, though Akliouche has also impressed recently. Uncertainty over Jules Koundé's fitness could lead Zidane to select an extra midfielder, with Zaïre-Emery potentially deployed at right-back, which would benefit Akliouche.