Ibrahima Konate, Real Madrid player
Photo by Francisco Macia/Getty Images
Real Madrid have suffered an early setback during the international break, with Ibrahima Konate returning to Spain after picking up a knee injury while training with France.
The centre-back suffered a sprain in his right knee during Wednesday’s session and has subsequently been released from the France squad.
He will now return to Madrid, where he will undergo treatment under the supervision of the club’s medical team.
As a result, France have called up Manchester United defender Leny Yoro as Konate’s replacement, while the decision over the Real Madrid defender was taken jointly by the two medical departments.
Konate sent back to Madrid after France training injury
The French Football Federation confirmed that Konate would leave the national team camp after discussions with Real Madrid’s doctors.
𝐊𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐄́ 𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐅𝐀𝐈𝐓, 𝐘𝐎𝐑𝐎 𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐄𝐋𝐄́ 🇫🇷
Ibrahima Konaté, touché au genou droit et victime d’une légère entorse, est remis à la disposition de son club.
Leny Yoro le remplace et honore sa première convocation chez les Bleus. pic.twitter.com/iV6JuVIXZ6
— Equipe de France ⭐⭐ (@equipedefrance) September 24, 2026
“Following a cordial exchange between the French national team’s medical staff and Real Madrid’s, the player is available to his club again as of today,” read the statement from the national team.
Konate felt discomfort during the final training session before France’s trip to Turkey for their Nations League opener.
An initial assessment identified a minor sprain in his right knee, prompting the decision to avoid taking any unnecessary risks.
The injury is not currently considered serious, but the timing is frustrating for both player and club, as Konate had been in line for an important role with France during this international window.
Real Madrid will monitor Konate’s recovery
Konate’s opportunity had grown after William Saliba was left out of Zinedine Zidane’s first France squad following a serious back injury sustained during the World Cup.
Ibrahima Konate, Real Madrid player
Konate is set to return to Madrid. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
That opened the door for the Real Madrid defender to potentially start during France’s opening fixtures, making his early departure particularly unfortunate.
For Real Madrid, the priority now is ensuring Konate makes a full recovery before returning to competitive action.
The club will assess his condition after he arrives in the Spanish capital, with further information expected once the extent of the sprain becomes clearer.
With the season already underway and Konate expected to play an important role in the centre of defence, Real Madrid will have little interest in rushing him back.
Chema Andres, Brighton player
Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
Chema Andres feels Real Madrid do not need a midfielder. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Chema is not thinking about moving back to Real Madrid. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)