National team
Kalulu ruled out of France squad, Kumbedi called up
Kalulu has a left hamstring injury. Wolfsburg right-back Saël Kumbedi, 21, replaces him for the Nations League games against Italy and Turkey.
Golviva Newsroom
Pierre Kalulu has been ruled out of France's squad for the Nations League games after a left hamstring injury, L'Équipe reports. The Juventus defender was hurt in the 2-2 draw at Fiorentina on Sunday, and examinations by the club followed.
Zinedine Zidane has called up Saël Kumbedi, a 21-year-old right-back who plays for Wolfsburg in the German second division, according to RMC Sport. Foot Mercato reports that Kumbedi is the first second-tier player to be called up by France since 2007.
France play Italy in Milan on Thursday 12 November and Turkey in Bordeaux on Sunday 15 November.
Golviva's valuation of Kalulu is €33m, against his market value of €32m on Transfermarkt. He has made 10 appearances for Juventus this season, with an average rating of 6.82. Golviva values Kumbedi at €14m, against a Transfermarkt market value of €12m. He had 27 appearances and 5 assists in 2025/26, and his contract runs to June 2029.
Sources
This article is based on reports by:
- L'Équipe — Blessé avec la Juventus, Pierre Kalulu déclare forfait pour le rassemblement des Bleus
- kicker — Überraschung im Frankreich-Kader: Zidane nominiert Kumbedi nach
- RMC Sport — Equipe de France: la grosse surprise Saël Kumbedi, joueur de D2 allemande appelé avec les Bleus
- Mundo Deportivo — Baja de última hora en la Francia de Zidane
- Football Italia — Kalulu forced out of France squad after injury in Fiorentina 2-2 Juventus
- Transfermarkt — Zidane nominiert VfL Wolfsburgs Kumbedi bei Frankreich nach
- Maisfutebol — França: Zidane convoca lateral da segunda divisão alemã para suprir ausência
- Foot Mercato — Équipe de France : Pierre Kalulu forfait pour la trêve internationale
Written by the Golviva newsroom from the reports below, with figures from Golviva’s own database. Spotted a mistake? Tell us. · How we report
