Konaté out of Nations League with a minor right knee sprain

France’s federation has confirmed that Ibrahima Konaté, a Real Madrid player, picked up an injury during the national-team camp ahead of Nations League matches versus Turkey, Belgium (twice) and Italy. Mundo Deportivo reports that the centre-back will return to Spain’s capital as a result.

Minor right knee sprain

After a scan, the medical staff concluded that Konaté has a minor sprain in his right knee. The report places the injury in training from last Wednesday, ruling him out of the fixtures he had been preparing for with Les Bleus.

The federation also said the decision to withdraw him was made in coordination with Real Madrid’s medical services. As Mundo Deportivo relays, the communication was “cordial” between the selection’s staff and the club’s doctors, and the statement adds that the player will be available again to his club from today.

Zidane calls up Yoro

With Konaté ruled out, coach Zinedine Zidane has named Leny Yoro as his replacement. Yoro is a defender for Manchester United and has long been linked with Real Madrid, according to the same piece from Mundo Deportivo.

For Real Madrid, it’s a setback with the season’s schedule already in motion, while France will now need to adjust their defensive options for the Nations League run. The next step is simply to see how the sprain evolves and when Konaté can return to action.