# Mbappé returns as Zidane picks surprise Pagis

> France's captain comes back from injury for Nations League games against Italy and Turkey, while Paris FC's Pablo Pagis gets an unexpected call-up.
- Title: Mbappé returns as Zidane picks surprise Pagis · RFI | Shortify
- Summary: France's captain comes back from injury for Nations League games against Italy and Turkey, while Paris FC's Pablo Pagis gets an unexpected call-up.
- Keywords: kylian mbappé, zinedine zidane, france national team, pablo pagis, nations league, italy, turkey, real madrid, paris fc, RFI
- Source: RFI — https://rfi.fr/en/sports/20261107-mbapp%C3%A9-returns-to-france-duty-as-zidane-drafts-pagis-into-nations-league-squad
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: kylian mbappé, zinedine zidane, france national team, pablo pagis, nations league, italy, turkey, real madrid, paris fc, news, world
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Zinedine Zidane recalled Kylian Mbappé to France's squad for Nations League matches against Italy and Turkey, and selected Paris FC forward Pablo Pagis as a surprise inclusion after Maghnes Akliouche's injury.