France midfielder Manu Koné is a major doubt for the national team's upcoming November fixtures. The 25-year-old AS Roma player was forced off in tears after just 17 minutes of his club's 3-4 Champions League defeat to Real Madrid on 14 October.
A weeks-long layoff
Koné is reported to have suffered a muscle strain. "The player is said to have a strain and his absence could be prolonged," states a medical assessment. A return is not anticipated until after the November international break, which would rule him out for head coach Zinédine Zidane. The manager may therefore have to do without one of his most frequently used midfield options in recent games.
Koné started France's last two matches, the 1-0 win in Turkey and the comprehensive 4-1 victory over Belgium at the Stade de France on 5 October. That result is part of a strong recent run of three wins and a draw from the last four outings.
Implications for France's midfield
With 22 caps, Manu Koné had established himself as a reliable option for Zidane, featuring in three of the last four Nations League matches. His potential withdrawal could grant more responsibility to Aurélien Tchouaméni or open the door for another midfielder in the selector's squad. France, aiming to qualify for the Nations League quarter-finals in March, face Italy then Turkey in Bordeaux on 15 November. The exact squad for these decisive games will be announced at the end of October.
Background and full detail: Foot National
