Strasbourg defender Ismaël Doukouré has reportedly been called up by Côte d’Ivoire to replace the injured Odilon Kossounou ahead of the Elephants’ upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
According to Ivorian journalist Malick Traoré, Doukouré has been selected after Kossounou suffered a thigh injury while training with Atalanta. The defender is expected to undergo further examinations to determine the severity of the problem.
Doukouré, who recently obtained an Ivorian passport, has represented France at several youth levels but is now set to join Hervé Renard’s senior squad, according to the reports.
The 23-year-old has been with Racing Club de Strasbourg since 2022 and offers Renard versatility in defence. He can operate as a centre-back but has also featured in midfield, giving the coach an additional option as he begins reshaping the Elephants.
His reported inclusion comes just days after Renard named eight new players in his first Côte d’Ivoire squad since returning as head coach. The Frenchman selected a 25-man group for the qualifiers against Ghana and Somalia, followed by a friendly against Cameroon.
Côte d’Ivoire will host Ghana in Bouaké on September 24 before facing Somalia in Abidjan five days later. The Elephants will then take on Cameroon in a friendly on October 3.
Doukouré’s reported call-up would give Renard another young defensive option as he begins a new cycle with the Elephants.
The Ivorian Football Federation has yet to formally announce Doukouré’s addition to the squad.
