William Saliba has played less than 30 minutes at the World Cup this year but the Arsenal and France star may be in line for a starting role in the final. That's because Didier Deschamps' two preferred centre-back starters, Raphael Varane and Ibrahima Konate, are reportedly ill.
Although Saliba is having a stellar season at club level with the Gunners - who are currently top of the Premier League - Deschamps' decision to pick Varane and Konate has been justified by France's performances at the tournament.
However, as per RMC Sport reporter Fabrice Hawkins, the centre-back duo are currently ill. He states that their situation isn't 'alarming' as things stand, but the medical staff are monitoring how things develop.
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Hawkins said: "Two other players caught cold. Defenders Raphael Varane and Ibrahima Konate. Their situation is not alarming but the staff will closely monitor their state of health. Kingley Coman is better."
Saliba's only performance at the World Cup this year came in the group stage as Les Bleus were beaten 1-0 by Tunisia. He came on for Varane from the bench that day and hasn't featured since.
Still, his performances for Arsenal have shown that he's more than capable of playing in pressure matches at the highest level, so should Varane and Konate's respective situations worsen, he will be ready to step-up if needed.
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