Just one week away from unveiling his very first list of French team coaches, Zinédine Zidane is left with a first setback. While he is refining his choices for his big baptism on the Blues bench, the French technician received bad news from Italy: the injury to Manu Koné during the first day of the Champions League.
Established Thursday evening by AS Roma during the trip to Fenerbahçe (1-1), the 25-year-old midfielder was forced to give up his place after returning from the locker room. A premature exit linked to a physical alert, as indicated by his trainer Gian Piero Gasperini after the meeting. “He complained of knee pain”he whispered to justify his exit in the 53rd minute.
The player must undergo in-depth medical examinations this Friday in order to establish a precise diagnosis. If an unavailability of several weeks were to be confirmed, the French international would certainly miss the next international gathering which will see the Blues play four matches in the Nations League: in Turkey to start (September 25) then in Belgium (September 28) before playing two matches at the Stade de France, against Italy (October 2) then again against the Red Devils (October 5).
To its advantage until its release
Manu Koné’s injury occurred while the former Toulouse player had so far had an exemplary start to the match in Türkiye. Positioned as a real sentinel in front of the Roman defense, Manu Koné strove to stabilize the midfield with composure. Multiplying valuable interventions to cut the opposing trajectories (18th, 21st), he displayed impeccable technical cleanliness in the direction of the game, as evidenced by his record of 42 successful passes out of 43 attempted.
Inspired in his forward initiatives, the Roman even distinguished himself with a superb opening towards Paulo Dybala on the right side (21st), unfortunately spoiled by the lack of success of the Argentine striker in the last gesture.
If the absence of the Roman were to be confirmed for the October deadlines, “Zizou” will have to review his plans and draw from his reservoir to find an alternative. Note in this regard that Andy Diouf, very prominent with Inter Milan, is among the pre-summoned players.
