Zinédine Zidane could make major changes against Belgium on Monday night in the Nations League. While Ousmane Dembélé was expected to inherit the captain’s armband following Kylian Mbappé’s withdrawal, the PSG forward could ultimately start on the bench. Désiré Doué was tested as the central striker in the final training session, with Bradley Barcola on the left and Michael Olise on the right. A decision that would also reopen the captaincy question.
There could be a major surprise in the France line-up. Just hours after praising Dembélé in his press conference, Zidane may decide to rest the PSG forward against Belgium. The France coach had already warned that changes would be made following the 1-0 victory over Turkey, with travel and the demanding schedule prompting him to manage his players’ fitness.
Doué tested up front as Zidane considers major rotation
According to L’Équipe, Sunday evening’s training session at the King Baudouin Stadium saw Doué deployed as a number nine, flanked by Barcola and Olise. Zidane had previously appeared to establish Dembélé through the middle in his 4-3-3, but Mbappé’s absence and the succession of four matches could lead to a reshuffle. Camavinga was also tested in midfield alongside Adrien Rabiot and Rayan Cherki, while Jules Koundé and Adrien Truffert worked as full-backs. Dayot Upamecano and Maxence Lacroix were also paired together, with Mike Maignan still expected to start in goal.
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Dembélé starting on the bench would create another issue: the captaincy. With Mbappé unavailable, the PSG forward had been designated to wear the armband if he started, as he is the first vice-captain in Zidane’s new hierarchy. Adrien Rabiot could therefore emerge as an option because of his experience and status within the squad, although no decision has yet been confirmed. L’Équipe stresses that Sunday’s session does not guarantee this will be Zidane’s starting XI, especially as only 19 outfield players were available and the teams had to be mixed during the exercises.
France’s predicted line-up against Belgium: Maignan – Koundé, Upamecano, Lacroix, Truffert – Camavinga, Rabiot, Cherki – Olise, Doué, Barcola. This line-up should still be treated with caution, as Zidane has not yet informed his players of his final selection and Sunday’s session was not a full 11-v-11 match. One thing nevertheless appears clear: France are set to rotate heavily, and Doué could be given the opportunity to lead the attack while Dembélé is rested.
