Mbappé returns as Zidane picks surprise Pagis

Mbappé back, Pagis in

France head coach Zinedine Zidane recalled captain Kylian Mbappé for Nations League games against Italy and Turkey. Paris FC forward Pablo Pagis, 23, received a surprise selection.

Mbappé's injury layoff

Mbappé scored his sixty-seventh international goal in France's one-nil victory over Turkey in Izmit in October. Minutes after, a knee injury forced him out for three games.

Mbappé's China controversy

Mbappé returns overshadowed by a row with Chinese sponsors over his internet comments about former Chinese leader Mao Zedong.

Pagis fills Akliouche gap

Pagis was selected after Paris Saint-Germain forward Maghnes Akliouche was ruled out with a calf injury. Zidane said Pagis was in the extended squad and someone he wanted to see.

“He's a player I want to see, someone different.”

Pagis's rapid rise

Two years ago Pagis played for Lorient in Ligue two.He scored five goals and seven assists as Lorient gained promotion to Ligue one in twenty twenty-five.

France's path to quarter-finals

France top League one Group A with ten points after four games under Zidane.A victory in Italy would guarantee France a Nations League quarter-finals spot in March.A draw would require beating Turkey to secure qualification.