Manchester United defender Leny Yoro has received his first call-up to the France senior squad after Ibrahima Konaté was ruled out with a knee injury.
Yoro, who had initially been with France’s Under-21s, has been promoted to Zinedine Zidane’s senior group ahead of the Nations League opener against Turkey on Friday.
The 20-year-old becomes the latest young defender to be given an opportunity by Zidane, who is preparing for his first competitive match since taking over as France head coach.
Konaté, who plays for Real Madrid, has withdrawn from the squad after suffering a minor knee problem and will return to his club for treatment.
Leny Yoro gets first France call-up after Ibrahima Konaté injury
Yoro’s promotion comes just days after Zidane named his first France squad. The Manchester United centre-back was not initially included, with Liverpool defender Jérémy Jacquet among the new faces in the original selection.
The former Lille defender has already represented France at youth level and was part of the Under-21 group before being elevated to the senior side following Konaté’s withdrawal.
France begin their Nations League campaign away to Turkey on 25 September before facing Belgium three days later. Zidane’s side will then host Italy on 2 October before welcoming Belgium again on 5 October.
Yoro could therefore find himself involved in a demanding opening international window as Zidane begins shaping his France side following Didier Deschamps’ departure.
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