William Saliba, the Arsenal defender, has been forced to withdraw from the French national team squad due to an ankle injury, just days before France’s upcoming international friendlies against Brazil and Colombia. The French Football Federation (FFF) confirmed on Sunday that Saliba will be sidelined, prompting the national team coach Didier Deschamps to summon Maxence Lacroix as his replacement. This development comes shortly after Saliba completed the full match in Arsenal’s 2-0 loss to Manchester City in the League Cup final on Sunday.
Saliba’s injury involves persistent pain in his left ankle, which has been troubling him and now requires specialized treatment along with a mandatory rest period of at least ten days. The FFF’s official statement highlighted the seriousness of the issue, emphasizing the need for the defender to recuperate fully before returning to competitive action. This setback is particularly unfortunate for Saliba, who had been included in the expanded 27-man squad announced by Deschamps just a few days earlier.
In response to Saliba’s withdrawal, Didier Deschamps has turned to Maxence Lacroix, a 25-year-old defender currently playing for Crystal Palace, to fill the vacancy in the squad. This call-up marks a significant milestone for Lacroix, as it is his first opportunity to represent France at the senior international level. Over the course of the current season, Lacroix has been a consistent presence for Crystal Palace, featuring in 43 matches across all competitions, showcasing his reliability and form.
The upcoming friendlies hold considerable importance for the French team as they prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. France is set to face Brazil in Boston on March 26, followed by a match against Colombia in Washington on March 29. These high-profile fixtures will provide valuable opportunities for the squad to test their tactics and player combinations ahead of the competitive campaign. It is worth noting that France, who finished as runners-up in the 2022 World Cup, are drawn in Group I for the upcoming tournament, alongside Senegal, Norway, and a team yet to be determined through the inter-confederation playoffs.
Saliba’s absence will undoubtedly be felt, given his defensive capabilities and recent performances for Arsenal. Meanwhile, Lacroix’s inclusion offers a fresh option for Deschamps, who will be keen to assess the Crystal Palace defender’s adaptability and readiness at the international stage. As the French team gears up for these crucial friendlies, the coaching staff will be closely monitoring all players to finalize the squad that will compete in the qualifiers and beyond.
