Dembele to lead France in Mbappe's absence

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Dembele took the armband during France's 1-0 win over Turkiye in its UEFA Nations League opener, with Mbappe forced off after scoring the only goal in the 54th minute.

It has since been confirmed that the Real Madrid star suffered a hyperextension in his left knee, although the severity of the issue is yet to be disclosed.

Mbappe will prove to be a big miss, not only for his leadership, but also for his quality on the pitch. He netted his 12th goal for France in 2026 last time out, equalling the highest total for a France player in a calendar year in the 21st Century, set by himself in 2022.

Dembele also played his part at Turka Arac Muayene Kocaeli Stadyumu, finishing with team-high totals for chances created (four) and touches in the opposition box (seven).

"He is already doing it. He's vice-captain; he has that role, even when he's not captain," Zidane said about what Dembele brings to the team as a captain.

"He is, he's a good guy, always there for others, and you have to take his experience. I expect something from everyone, not just the captains. It's a group that lives well.

"We've been together for a week; I can see that they're happy to be together. It's the French team; there are some great matches. Football goes so fast.

"I'm 54 years old; I'm here. I can't play any more, so I tell them to enjoy the moment, because it's flying. The French team is so beautiful that I want them to live these moments."

Zidane also revealed ahead of the trip to Stade Roi Baudouin to play Belgium that he would be making several changes to his team given the tight turnaround.

France is second in Group A1 but level on points with Belgium after the Red Devils beat Italy in their opening match.

It was put to Zidane whether the result or the performance was more important against Mark van Bommel's side, and he said: "Everything is important, but the most important thing is to get to know each other.

"We rested more, and we thought more about getting treatment than training because we don't have time. The idea is to prepare for the matches and afterwards, of course, to win the match. We are competitors, and what we want to do is win the match, above all.

"We have to improve; we will improve. But the idea is to get the ball back as quickly as possible and, above all, to have the ball, to run with the ball and not without the ball."