France manager Deschamps offers encouraging news about key defender Saliba's fitness

Speaking prior to Monday’s friendly against Northern Ireland, the manager confirmed that every one of the 26 players in his squad, including Saliba, is available, having also disclosed that Ousmane Dembele will start the game.

The Arsenal defender has been coping with a back problem, but is making a good recovery and is not anticipated to miss any playing time.

Deschamps elaborated that Saliba is being closely observed by the medical team and that the issue has continued for a number of weeks without stopping him from playing on a regular basis for Arsenal.

"He is being cared for by the medical team. We are also handling him depending on his feelings, but it is something he has had for a number of weeks, and it has not prevented him from playing in every match for Arsenal," he told Telefoot.

This encouraging news serves as a significant lift for France, with Saliba widely anticipated to line up alongside Dayot Upamecano in central defence as Les Bleus ready themselves for their World Cup campaign in the United States.