Zinédine Zidane will announce his second France squad on Friday at 18:00, naming the players he will take to the Nations League fixtures in Italy on 12 November and against Turkey on 15 November, RMC Sport reports. The list will be presented from the French Football Federation headquarters. France needs a single point from the two games to secure a place in the quarter-finals.
RMC Sport describes the group as likely to keep largely the same core that produced three wins and a draw in Zidane's first camp, with some senior players returning from injury. Kylian Mbappé, Aurélien Tchouaméni and Ibrahima Konaté are all expected back after spells out.
Why it matters
The two matches decide whether France advances directly. One point, which could arrive in Italy on 12 November or in Bordeaux against Turkey on 15 November, would be enough to reach the last eight. The squad announcement is also the clearest signal yet of how Zidane intends to manage a group that impressed in his opening window while absorbing a run of absences.
Under the Nations League format outlined by RMC Sport, the top two teams in each League A group progress to quarter-finals that feed into a four-team finals tournament. The two weakest third-placed sides and the two strongest fourth-placed sides go into promotion and relegation play-offs against runners-up from League B. The two weakest fourth-placed teams drop straight to League B.
Forced changes in defence and midfield
RMC Sport reports that few new faces are expected, with the main task being to cover for players unavailable through injury. Ousmane Dembélé, William Saliba, Manu Koné, Jules Koundé and Maxence Lacroix are all named as absentees. RMC Sport notes that Zidane faces significant decisions in defence, balancing emerging players against fitness concerns and club form.
In midfield, the outlet expects adjustments rather than a overhaul. One player who will not feature is Maghnes Akliouche. According to RMC Sport, the 24-year-old is injured, will miss Paris Saint-Germain's Ligue 1 fixture against Troyes on Saturday at the Parc des Princes, and is not expected to join the France camp either.
Goalkeeping trio set to stay
RMC Sport reports that the three goalkeepers from Zidane's first gathering are likely to be retained: Mike Maignan of AC Milan, Guillaume Restes of Toulouse and Jean Butez of Como. That would leave Robin Risser of Lens, who was originally called up in September but withdrew injured and was replaced by Butez, out of the picture.
Butez has spoken about his first experience with the national team, describing his early impressions of working under Zidane and assistant Fabien Barthez, and saying he hopes for another call-up. RMC Sport covered his comments earlier in the week.
Caqueret makes his case
Maxence Caqueret, a guest on RMC's Rothen s'enflamme on Thursday, used the platform to state his ambition to break into the France side. The midfielder was speaking after Como's 9-1 win over Lens, a result RMC Sport described as historic, and discussed the playing style instilled by Cesc Fabregas at the club. Caqueret said reaching the national team remains his primary goal.
Italy's young squad
Italy coach Roberto Mancini named 31 players on Thursday, a week before the meeting with France in Italy on 12 November at 20:45. RMC Sport reports that several young players will be new to the senior set-up, including AC Milan prospect Alphadjo Cissé, 20, Como's Mattia Liberalli and Ricardo Cassano, both 19, and Parma's Simone Lontani, 18. Liberalli and Cassano featured in the heavy win over Lens.
What to watch
Zidane's list lands at 18:00, and the first test comes in Italy on 12 November, where a draw would send France through to the quarter-finals before the Turkey match in Bordeaux three days later.
