France team: Zidane considers a new role for Mbappé in Dembélé’s absence

Kylian Mbappé is expected to return to the France squad in Zinédine Zidane’s second list, due on November 6, after leaving the previous camp with a left knee injury. The absences of Ousmane Dembélé, sidelined with a hamstring injury, and Esteban Lepaul could lead Zidane to use Mbappé as a central striker, after playing him on the left in his first match as coach. Daniel Riolo predicts Mbappé will play as a No. 9, a central role Didier Deschamps had also considered suitable, although Mbappé prefers the left flank. France will face Italy in Milan on November 12 and Turkey in Bordeaux on November 15 in the Nations League.