Zinedine Zidane is confronting a defensive crisis ahead of his second squad selection as France manager. Defender Maxence Lacroix has suffered a hamstring injury with Chelsea, casting doubt on his availability for the November fixtures against Italy and Turkey.
The manager will announce his list this Friday, 6 November, at 6pm at the French Football Federation headquarters. Lacroix's situation, after he was forced off early in Chelsea's League Cup match against Liverpool, complicates Zidane's preparations. The player felt discomfort in his hamstrings. His club coach, Xabi Alonso, confirmed the uncertainty. "He felt some discomfort in his hamstrings. We have to assess the situation in the coming days," Alonso said.
This potential injury comes as Zidane is already without several key defenders. William Saliba remains absent from the squad and has not returned to action. Ibrahima Konaté is also unavailable. Dayot Upamecano is serving a suspension following his red card against Italy on 2 October in the 1-1 draw.
The context for Les Bleus
These defensive absences arrive as France approaches its final match of the year on a positive run. They are unbeaten in their last four games, with three wins and a draw. Their last outing was a comprehensive 4-1 victory over Belgium on 5 October, featuring a Michael Olise brace. The next fixture is a key away trip to Italy on 12 November, part of the qualifying campaign for the 2026 World Cup. The upcoming fixtures schedule shows this is the last match before the winter break.
Zidane, who surprised with some of his initial selections, must now find quick solutions. Defensive continuity, key to the current unbeaten streak, is under threat. The manager may have to turn to new faces or reposition players for the match in Turin. Friday's list will be closely examined, especially as the win over Belgium showed a highly effective attack, with Kylian Mbappé still the top scorer this season with ten goals.
France's year will therefore end with a reshuffled defence, Zidane's major challenge being to maintain collective solidity before the long break.
Background and full detail: Onze Mondial
