Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Football London
Football London
Sport
Sam Hill

Arsenal star William Saliba set to feature for France amid World Cup debut delay

William Saliba's wait for his World Cup debut goes on after he failed to feature for France in Les Bleus' 4-1 win against Australia last night.

France manager Didier Deschamps chose to start Dayot Upamecano and Ibrahima Konate as part of a back four ahead of Saliba, a decision which Arsenal fans questioned on social media. Saliba has been sensational for the Gunners so far in the Premier League campaign, with his defensive brilliance being paired with strong attacking capabilities from set pieces as he scored his first goals for the Gunners with a wonder strike against Bournemouth and a precise header against Brentford earlier in the 2022/23 campaign.

Former Arsenal star Olivier Giroud equalled Gunners legend Thierry Henry's goal scoring record for Les Bleus with a brace against the Socceroos. Saliba was an unused substitute for France's opening World Cup fixture but may be called upon for their second game of Group D against Denmark after an unconvincing defensive display from Les Bleus.

READ MORE: Why Arsenal won't sign Cristiano Ronaldo in January transfer window after Man United decision

Saliba has been one of the best defenders in the Premier League this season after returning from a successful loan spell with Marseille last term. The 21-year-old was tipped to be a key player for France at the World Cup after Manchester United star Raphael Varane suffered an injury ahead of the tournament in Qatar.

Varane was passed fit to be involved in the competition but didn't start against Australia, with Liverpool's Konate and Bayern Munich star Upamecano starting ahead of him and Saliba. Players who did not feature for Les Bleus in the win last night look set to feature in a friendly against Qatari 1st division side Al Gharafa on Wednesday evening as Deschamps aims to maintain match fitness for his squad.

The French have been hampered by injuries to key players such as Ballon d'Or winner Karim Benzema, Christopher Nkunku and Lucas Hernandez, who left the pitch with an anterior cruciate ligament injury. The friendly being arranged is likely an attempt to keep fitness levels high throughout the tournament in a bid to avoid further injuries.

Have your say on the Gunners’ season so far by taking part in the Big Arsenal Forum!

READ NEXT:

Arsenal World Cup latest with Saka's Golden Boot surprise, Saliba blow and Turner denied by Bale

Mikel Arteta's key role in Pep Guardiola Man City renewal as Arsenal rivalry is set up

New Bukayo Saka price revealed after Arsenal star shines at World Cup amid Edu contract decision

The games Arsenal defender will miss as injury is confirmed to disrupt 'shining light' loan deal

Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: Latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.