France captain Kylian Mbappe has returned to the national team squad named by coach Zinedine Zidane for their upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures against Italy and Turkey, while Pablo Pagis has received his first international call-up.
The Real Madrid forward missed France’s final three matches during the previous international window after sustaining a knee injury in September.
Mbappe had scored the winning goal in Zidane’s first match in charge, a 1-0 victory away to Turkey on September 25, before picking up the injury during the encounter.
Despite his absence, France maintained an impressive run, recording two victories over Belgium, including an away win in Brussels, and securing a draw against Italy.
Mbappe has since recovered and returned to club action, scoring eight goals in seven appearances across La Liga and the Champions League.
Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembele and Rennes striker Esteban Lepaul are missing from the squad for this month’s double-header.
However, Inter Milan forward Marcus Thuram has been recalled, while Pagis has been rewarded with his maiden invitation to the senior national team.
The 23-year-old attacking midfielder has impressed since joining Paris FC from Lorient and has played a key role in the club’s campaign, with the team currently occupying fourth position in Ligue 1.
Pagis is the son of former Marseille player Mickael Pagis, who also represented the France beach soccer team during Eric Cantona’s time as coach.
In midfield, Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni returns after missing the previous international window, replacing Manu Kone.
Manchester United defender Leny Yoro and Chelsea’s Malo Gusto have also been included, taking the places of Barcelona’s Jules Kounde and Chelsea’s Maxence Lacroix.
France will face Italy in Milan on Thursday, November 12, before hosting Turkey in Bordeaux three days later in their final group-stage matches.
Zidane’s men currently lead Nations League Group A1 with 10 points from four matches, three points ahead of second-placed Italy.
The top two teams in the group will qualify for the quarter-finals scheduled for next March.
France squad
Goalkeepers: Mike Maignan (AC Milan), Robin Risser (Lens), Guillaume Restes (Toulouse).
Defenders: Andy Diouf (Inter Milan), Malo Gusto (Chelsea), Jeremy Jacquet (Liverpool), Ibrahima Konate (Real Madrid), Pierre Kalulu (Juventus), Adrien Truffert (Bournemouth), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich), Leny Yoro (Manchester United).
Midfielders: Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid), Rayan Cherki (Manchester City), Lucas Da Cunha (Como), Adrien Rabiot (AC Milan), Aurelien Tchouameni (Real Madrid), Warren Zaire-Emery (Paris Saint-Germain).
Forwards: Bradley Barcola (Liverpool), Desire Doue (Paris Saint-Germain), Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid), Michael Olise (Bayern Munich), Pablo Pagis (Paris FC), Marcus Thuram (Inter Milan).
