Upamecano leaves France's Nations League camp before decisive Turkey match

Departure from the squad

Dayot Upamecano left the France squad on Thursday evening, 12 November, after his side lost 3-1 in Italy, and returned to Munich, where he plays for Bayern. The French Football Federation (FFF) announced the departure on Friday, 13 November, citing personal reasons and saying the coach had agreed to it. The federation gave no further details about the situation.

In its statement, the federation said:

“With the coach's agreement, Dayot Upamecano has left the gathering and is returning to Munich for personal reasons.”

Zinedine Zidane will not call a replacement, so France go into the Turkey match with one fewer centre-back. The decision leaves the back line without the most experienced defender in the squad, who has 49 caps according to 20minutes.

A defence under strain

France's defence was already fragile before the departure. The team lost in Milan, and it was the first defeat of Zidane's time in charge, according to SAPO. Upamecano was among the players who faltered in the second half at San Siro, according to 20minutes. Bayerischer Rundfunk adds that he had already been sent off in the earlier meeting with Italy and conceded a penalty in Milan.

William Saliba has not played since the World Cup, and Jules Koundé is absent from this gathering. 20minutes describes Malo Gusto, Koundé's natural replacement, as having a poor match in Italy, and says Zidane started him despite his lack of form. Jérémy Jacquet started in Milan, and Ibrahima Konaté could return to a starting place alongside him. Leny Yoro is the third centre-back in the group.

Sunday's match in Bordeaux

France face Turkey on Sunday, 15 November, at 20:45 in Bordeaux, according to n-tv. France must win to secure one of the two qualifying places for the knockout round. SAPO places that stage at the round of 16, while n-tv places it at the quarterfinals, so the sources differ on the stage. Italy took the lead of Group 1 from France and face Belgium in their final group match.

Upamecano's form for club and country

Bayerischer Rundfunk describes Upamecano as one of the most sought-after defenders in the world, playing at his peak for Bayern while struggling for France. Bayern assistant coach Aaron Danks told a press conference that the defender had been underrated for a long time. Before the Italy match, Upamecano said he thinks he can still get better. The broadcaster expects him to return to Munich after the international break.