William Saliba excluded from France team as Maxence Lacroix earns first call-up

William Saliba excluded from France team as Maxence Lacroix earns first call-up
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Arsenals defender Saliba featured for the entire match during the 2-0 loss to Manchester City in Sundays League Cup final prior to the FFF confirming his injury issue.

The Arsenal centre-back is dealing with ongoing discomfort in his left ankle which needs medical attention and at least 10 days of rest according to the statements release.

France head coach Didier Deschamps has chosen to bring in Maxence Lacroix as his replacement the FFF confirmed.

The 25-year-old Crystal Palace player has secured his debut invitation to the France setup in preparation for the 2026 World Cup where he has appeared in 43 fixtures across various competitions this term.

Saliba had been included in the enlarged 27-player France selection revealed by Deschamps last Thursday.

Les Bleus are scheduled to play Brazil in Boston on 26 March followed by a clash with Colombia in Washington on 29 March.

The runners-up from the 2022 World Cup find themselves drawn in Group I for the upcoming event alongside Senegal Norway and the victor of the inter-confederation playoff tie.