Zidane explains Pagis call-up as Akliouche injury forces France squad change for Nations League

France head coach Zinedine Zidane has confirmed forward Pablo Pagis was called into the squad for November's Nations League fixtures after Maghnes Akliouche picked up a minor injury. Speaking at a press conference Friday after announcing his squad, Zidane said: "Pablo Pagis was selected tonight because we had a small issue with Maghnes Akliouche. He has a minor injury and won't play this weekend. It's as simple as that."

Akliouche, who plays for PSG, misses the upcoming matches against Italy and Turkey later this month. Pagis, currently with Lorient, earns his first senior call-up as injury cover. The 22-year-old striker has scored 6 goals in 12 Ligue 1 appearances this season.

France sits second in Nations League Group A2 behind Italy, with two matchdays remaining. A win against Italy on November 14 in Milan would put them top ahead of the final game against Turkey on November 17. Zidane's squad otherwise remains unchanged, with Kylian Mbappé, Bradley Barcola, and Randal Kolo Muani leading the attack.

For French football followers, Pagis's inclusion signals Zidane's willingness to blood young talent when circumstances demand. The real test comes against Italy's defensive structure — will Pagis feature, or is this purely precautionary depth?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/11/07/nations-league-why-i-included-pablo-pagis-in-france-squad-zidane/