France coach Didier Deschamps has been forced to exclude Arsenal’s William Saliba from the upcoming international break due to injury.
Saliba left Arsenal’s Carabao Cup final match against Manchester City with an ankle injury, and after undergoing tests, he was immediately ruled out of the French squad.
According to a statement from the French Football Federation, the center-back needs 10 days of rest after damaging his left ankle, although the injury is not considered serious.
Maxense Lacroix, the Crystal Palace defender, has been called up to replace the Gunners’ player, marking his first call-up to the French national team.
Lacroix has attracted attention after effectively filling the void left by Marc Gueye’s departure at Crystal Palace, prompting Deschamps to include him in the squad for the first time after representing France at the youth level throughout his career.
The French national team will play two friendly matches during the international break, the first against Brazil on Thursday, and the second against Colombia on Sunday. Both matches will be held in the United States.
