Another blow for Zidane and his replacement

Inter forward Thuram ruled out of Nations League matches against Italy and Turkey with a right hamstring injury; Bournemouth's Kroupi called up as replacement.

France manager Zinedine Zidane has lost Inter forward Marcus Thuram for upcoming Nations League fixtures against Italy (Thursday in Milan) and Turkey (Sunday in Bordeaux) due to a right hamstring injury.

Thuram was unable to train on Monday and received treatment, but after failing to improve and undergoing tests, the French medical staff decided in agreement with Inter and the player that he should leave the squad and return to his club. Zidane has called up 20-year-old Bournemouth forward Éli Junior Kroupi as Thuram's replacement, marking Kroupi's first France call-up.

Thuram, 29, had only recently been recalled after being omitted from Zidane's first squad in late September. France lead Group A1 of the Nations League with three wins and a draw from four matches heading into their final two group-stage games.