When the bench becomes a plot twist: why Kingsley Coman missed France’s camp

What happened to Kingsley Coman?

France's national team has finally broken its silence about Kingsley Coman's absence from the squad called up for the November international window. The matches are part of the European qualifying campaign for the 2026 World Cup against Ukraine and Azerbaijan.

Head coach Didier Deschamps had already announced the squad for the two fixtures, and Coman's omission came as a surprise given his recent good form with Al-Nassr and his presence in the previous window.

Raphaël Raimond, the federation's spokesperson, explained that Coman is out due to an injury. The federation said they had reached out to Al-Nassr to arrange his inclusion, but a medical setback prevented him from joining the squad.

Context and club response

A Saudi league clash between Neom and Al-Nassr is described as the backdrop to the broader story. Neom, promoted last season, sits seventh with 13 points from four wins, one draw and two losses. Al-Nassr lead the league with 21 points and also top their AFC Champions League group with 12 points.

Coman's form at Al-Nassr has been strong, featuring 13 appearances, four goals and six assists this season. Jorge Jesus has moved him to a right wing role behind a front line that includes Ronaldo, Joao Felix and Sadio Mane, contributing to a potent offense in domestic and continental play.

Raimond added that there is no barrier from the France staff to call him up, and that the club was consulted, but a medical issue prevented his participation. The article notes that Al-Nassr had not publicly disclosed an injury, yet Coman is set to face Neom on Saturday at King Khalid Stadium, marking a high profile clash between the two teams after Neom’s promotion to the Saudi Pro League this season.

The national team context remains delicate; Coman spoke candidly about his World Cup 2026 ambitions and the need for a starting role. He has also reflected on Euro 2024, where he felt minutes were too few. L’Equipe reports he does not appear eager to repeat that experience in 2026 if his role remains limited.

Stats back up his value: since debuting for France in 2015 at 19 years and five months, Coman has eight goals and five assists in 61 appearances. At the club level, his contributions have helped drive a potent Al-Nassr attack, especially with the presence of Ronaldo, Felix and Mane in the forward line. The season so far shows a team on track for domestic supremacy and a strong Champions League group campaign.

Punchline 1: If you’re not starting, at least you can star in the background—the bench is basically the latest in bench-press training.

Punchline 2: The bench isn’t punishment, it’s a strategic spa day for a future starting XI star who just needs a little more patience and a lot more coffee.