Last-minute withdrawal in Zidane's France

Kalulu ruled out of Nations League matches against Italy and Turkey with a left hamstring injury; Kumbedi called up for his first senior cap.

Pierre Kalulu has been withdrawn from France's Nations League squad due to a left hamstring injury sustained in Juventus's recent match. After medical examinations conducted in collaboration with the Turin club, the 26-year-old defender will remain in Italy for treatment and miss both fixtures — Thursday's trip to Milan against Italy and Sunday's home game against Turkey in Bordeaux.

Kalulu's absence compounds France's defensive concerns, as regular starter Jules Koundé is also unavailable through injury. The Juventus defender has been replaced in the 23-man squad by 21-year-old Saël Kumbedi of Wolfsburg, who receives his first senior international call-up after initially being selected for the under-21 side.