France: Trezeguet, Barthez... before Kumbedi, these players called up while playing in second division

Kumbedi, 21, called up for Nations League matches against Italy and Turkey despite playing in Germany's second division, replacing injured Kalulu.

Zinédine Zidane has called up Saël Kumbedi to France's 23-man squad for Nations League fixtures against Italy (Thursday in Milan) and Turkey (Sunday in Bordeaux). The 21-year-old right-back from Wolfsburg replaces Pierre Kalulu, who is sidelined with a left hamstring injury.

Kumbedi's selection is notable because he is currently playing in Germany's second division, making him only the latest in a rare line of players to represent France while in the second tier of a league. David Trezeguet was the last to do so in February 2007, when Juventus was in Serie B. Other historical examples include Fabien Barthez, who was selected between 1994 and 1996 while Marseille was in the French second division following administrative relegation, and Jean Djorkaeff, who was France captain while PSG played in D2 in 1970–71.

Kumbedi, a native of Stains, has progressed through France's youth system from U17 to the Espoirs level. With Jules Koundé absent and no clear starter at right-back beyond Malo Gusto, Kumbedi may yet get his first minutes for the senior team.