Kökçü misses closed training, Montella stays cautious ahead of France match

The whistle has not blown yet, but Vincenzo Montella already looks concerned as he takes attendance at the afternoon training session at the Hasan Doğan National Teams Camp in Riva. Orkun Kökçü, considered the most important piece in midfield, is absent from the running group. Medical staff say the Benfica player felt increased pain in his toe and was given time off for tests. A small detail that could change how Turkey prepare for their match against France. Turkey are in the early phase of an international gathering. This is the first full squad meeting at Riva after the qualifiers. Their opponent, France, are one of the strongest national teams in Europe, with a deep squad. Montella knows that to surprise such a team, he cannot burn out his key players in the first sessions. With that in mind, the session was structured gradually, with players who had featured for their clubs allowed an easier recovery day. The session had three clear parts. First, a light running block to wake up the cardiovascular system. Next, small-sided passing drills. The final part was screened off from the press area – almost certainly tactical work. Keeping the media out suggests Montella has already started shaping a plan for France. Meanwhile, players such as Muhammed Şengezer, Yunus Akgün and Deniz Gül, who started league matches over the weekend, did only light regeneration work. That indicates a careful approach to fitness management. The most notable absence was Kökçü, who left the group after reporting increased pain in his toe. Media in Turkey described it as a toe injury. With his ability to set the rhythm through turn-and-pass moves, he is Turkey's metronome. If the issue is serious, Montella would lose his best option for circulating the ball under pressure from France's midfield. But resting him on the first day could also be a precaution rather than a real injury. Turkey still have alternatives. Demir Ege Tıknaz, a young midfielder at Blackburn Rovers, was called up and could provide fresh energy. If Kökçü recovers, the midfield battle could be interesting. If not, Tıknaz and others will have to take more responsibility. It would be wrong for the media to turn Kökçü's absence into a crisis. The first training day is about assessing fitness, not final rehearsal. One missed session is common for precautionary reasons. What matters more is the message Montella sends by giving his starters extra rest: no player is bigger than the team. France have many attacking options and can put constant pressure on any opponent. Turkey will need a disciplined defensive block and no gaps between lines. The closed session might be where those details were worked on. The fans' expectations remain high, but Montella stays calm and focuses on the quiet work at Riva. The biggest question is not who replaces Kökçü, but how Turkey want to play against France. If Kökçü only misses a day, the media storm will fade quickly. If not, Turkey will have to show maturity and tactical clarity. The match against France will measure their real level, and what happens in the next 24 hours will shape the story.