Zinédine Zidane has named Pablo Pagis in his latest France squad, the most significant surprise in the list for the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches, l’essentiel reported. The call-up for the Paris FC forward comes as the national team prepares to face Italy and Turkey next week, continuing a campaign where the Bleus remain unbeaten under their new manager.

Pagis Called up to Senior Squad

The selection of Pagis marks the first time he has been called up to the senior national team, a reward for his strong start to the season with Paris FC. He is the son of former French footballer Mickaël Pagis. Pagis joins Marcus Thuram, who returns to the squad after missing the previous gathering. Kylian Mbappé, who scored the lone goal in France’s opening Nations League match against Turkey before an injury, also makes his return after a strong run of form with Real Madrid.

Other notable players returning to the fold include Aurélien Tchouaméni and Ibrahima Konaté, Mbappé’s Real Madrid teammates. Warren Zaïre-Emery of Paris Saint-Germain also comes back, offering Zidane flexibility with his ability to play both in midfield and at right-back.

Setback: Key Players Ruled Out by Injury

Zidane’s squad is heavily depleted by injuries for this crucial Nations League window. Several players who featured in September and October are now unavailable, including William Saliba (Arsenal), Jules Koundé (FC Barcelona), Ousmane Dembélé (Paris SG), Manu Koné (AS Roma), Maxence Lacroix (Chelsea), Esteban Lepaul (Rennes), and Maghnes Akliouche (Paris SG).

Squad Breakdown for Italy and Turkey Fixtures

Zidane has named a squad for the two matches. The Bleus sit top of their Nations League group with three wins and one draw. Their next fixtures are a trip to Milan to face Italy on Thursday, November 12, followed by a home match against Turkey in Bordeaux on Sunday, November 15.

Goalkeepers: Maignan (AC Milan), Restes (Toulouse FC), Risser (Lens)

Forwards: Barcola (Liverpool), Doué (Paris SG), Mbappé (Real Madrid), Olise (Bayern Munich), Pagis (Paris FC), Thuram (Inter Milan)

What’s Next for the Bleus

France will look to maintain their perfect start in the Nations League when they travel to Italy on November 12, followed by their match against Turkey on November 15.