Kökçü and Şengezer Miss Türkiye’s Final Training Before France Match
Türkiye head coach Vincenzo Montella has two fitness concerns to assess before his team’s UEFA Nations League opener against France. Midfielder Orkun Kökçü and goalkeeper Muhammed Şengezer did not take part in the squad’s collective training session at the Hasan Doğan National Teams Camp in Riva.
The Crescent-Stars are nearing the end of their preparations for the Group 1 fixture, which will be played at Kocaeli Stadium. While Montella’s side worked through tactical exercises, both players remained unavailable for team training as the medical staff monitored their physical condition.
Kökçü, the Beşiktaş central midfielder, is dealing with persistent pain in his toe. He was kept out of the session, leaving the coaching staff without one of their midfield options as they continued preparations for the France match. The extent of his availability for the game was not specified.
Şengezer, who represents İstanbul Başakşehir, also trained separately from the group. The goalkeeper was rested as a precaution after sustaining a minor muscle strain. His absence from the session does not, by itself, confirm whether he will miss the encounter, but his condition remains under observation.
There was more positive news concerning Mustafa Eskihellaç. The winger arrived at camp in the afternoon and joined his teammates for the tactical work. He completed the 11-a-side exercise under Montella, giving the coaching staff an additional option as they shape their plans for the opening match.
The training session was watched by senior officials from the Turkish Football Federation. Those present included deputy president Mecnun Otyakmaz, secretary general Abdullah Ayaz and senior adviser Yusuf Yerkel.
After completing their work in Riva, the Türkiye delegation is scheduled to travel to Kocaeli. The team will hold a pitch inspection at Kocaeli Stadium, where the France fixture is set to take place. Montella and a selected player are also due to speak at the official pre-match press conference ahead of Friday’s game.
Fitness decisions remain central to the final preparations
With the match approaching, the immediate priority for Türkiye will be determining whether Kökçü and Şengezer can return to training or be considered for selection. Missing a group session can be a precautionary measure, particularly when a player is being assessed for a minor issue; however, the team’s medical staff will need to judge whether each player is fit enough to take part safely.
Kökçü’s toe pain and Şengezer’s muscle strain are different problems, so their recovery timelines may not be the same. The midfielder’s availability could affect Montella’s choices in the centre of the pitch, while the goalkeeper’s status will shape the competition for a place between the posts. No further details about either player’s prognosis were provided.
The arrival and integration of Eskihellaç offers Montella another selection possibility on the wing. Having completed the 11-v-11 exercise, he was able to take part in the group’s tactical preparation, although participation in training alone does not confirm a starting role.
The move from Riva to Kocaeli marks the transition from training-camp work to the match venue. A pitch walk allows players and staff to familiarise themselves with the stadium surface and surroundings before kick-off, while the press conference gives the coach and a nominated player an opportunity to discuss the fixture publicly.
For Türkiye, the opening Nations League match against France will test the squad’s readiness at the start of the competition. Montella’s final decisions will depend not only on tactical planning but also on the latest medical assessments. The team’s preparation is continuing, but the condition of two experienced squad members remains an important issue in the build-up to Friday’s encounter.