Manu Koné suffers knee issue before Zidane’s France list

Manu Koné’s availability for France is now uncertain after the Roma midfielder suffered a knee problem shortly before Zinédine Zidane names his squad. The injury also threatens his participation in Roma’s next Serie A fixture against Torino, with medical examinations needed to establish its seriousness.

Koné was withdrawn in the 53rd minute of Roma’s Champions League opener against Fenerbahçe in Istanbul. He had started all four of Roma’s matches this season, including three in Serie A and the European fixture, before making way for Niccolò Pisilli. The match finished 1-1, leaving Roma with one point from their opening game in the competition.

Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini confirmed that the substitution followed a physical issue. He did not attribute his team’s second-half difficulties solely to Koné’s departure, noting that Pisilli performed well after returning to action. Roma had taken the lead through Bryan Cristante before Fenerbahçe equalised early in the second half.

The examinations will determine whether Koné can face Torino and remain available for France. His regular starting role at Roma underlines the importance of the injury, although its exact impact will depend on the medical assessment.