Learning the job of coach also begins there for Zinédine Zidane. As in September when he had to deal with the absences of William Saliba, Aurélien Tchouameni, then a little later of Ibrahima Konaté (replaced by Leny Yoro), the former playmaker should be faced with a new headache when putting together his new list, which he will unveil this Friday. In central defense, still no William Saliba, unavailable for several more weeks, nor Maxence Lacroix, victim of a torn hamstring and perhaps absent until the end of the year.
Three places seem reserved for Dayot Upamecano, Jérémy Jacquet and Ibrahima Konaté. For the last folding seat, we can therefore imagine a fight between Leny Yoro, less efficient with Manchester United but interesting last month with the Blues, Lucas Hernandez, convincing in his last outings with PSG, or why not Wesley Fofana, author of a good performance against Manchester United this weekend. On the right, Jules Koundé remains uncertain after missing Barça’s shocks against Real Madrid and PSG due to a sprained ankle. We could therefore see Pierre Kalulu again in this position. For second place, it’s not easy to establish a hierarchy. Malo Gusto does not play at Chelsea, Jonathan Clauss (34) lives again in Nice but does not really meet the criteria of Zinédine Zidane, keen to prepare for the future. As for Benjamin Pavard, he is injured. Andy Diouf could occupy this position but Zidane insisted on his wish to see him on the left during the first meeting.
Dembélé and Olise absent?
What about the midfielder? Manu Koné should not be recovered after his thigh injury but Zinédine Zidane will be able to count on the returns of Aurélien Tchouameni, Warren Zaire-Emery and Adrien Rabiot, scorer with AC Milan on Saturday in the derby against Inter (3-1). It is very likely that Eduardo Camavinga and Lucas Da Cunha will be renewed. Rayan Cherki was also included in the midfielders last month, leaving little room for surprises in this sector.
We know that the coach is not left out in offensive positions, but he could still play a few unexpected cards after calling up Estéban Lepaul last month. Ousmane Dembélé is out, Michael Olise is doubtful after being injured against Dortmund on Saturday, and Estéban Lepaul is injured in the left ankle. A situation favorable to Marcus Thuram, in form with Inter Milan? This is a possibility according to Téléfoot. The highly anticipated Éli-Junior Kroupi could still wait after several months of absence. The Bournemouth striker was still a decisive passer in 22 minutes this weekend against Leeds.
