Pierre Kalulu injury and Sael Kumbedi call-up to France squad, Digi Mart USA News: France has suffered a withdrawal ahead of its upcoming fixtures. Head coach Zinédine Zidane will not have Pierre Kalulu available this week.
The Juventus right-back was injured on Sunday evening during his side’s 2-2 draw at Fiorentina in Serie A.
According to a statement from the French team, Kalulu suffered a hamstring injury to his left leg after examinations carried out in close collaboration with his club. To replace him, Zidane has chosen to rely on a player from the Espoirs setup.
The move follows a similar decision he made last month with Leny Yoro, showing younger players the importance of the national team.
Sael Kumbedi, 21, who has no international caps, has been called up. The Stains native plays for Wolfsburg in Germany’s second division and has started nine matches for his club this season.
He will join Malo Gusto on the right side of defense.
Kumbedi, who came through Le Havre and spent time at Lyon, moved to Germany two seasons ago. His call-up may surprise observers given the level of his league, but it reflects a broader reality: right-back remains a problem area for the national team.
