William Saliba is out of France’s squad due to injury, with Maxence Lacroix replacing him for friendlies against Brazil and Colombia.
William Saliba has been ruled out of France’s squad due to injury ahead of their friendlies against Brazil and Colombia. The Arsenal defender suffered recurring pain in his left ankle, requiring a minimum rest period of 10 days.
Saliba played the full 90 minutes in Arsenal’s 2-0 defeat to Manchester City in Sunday’s League Cup final, but was later announced to be injured by the French Football Federation (FFF).
Maxence Lacroix, a 25-year-old Crystal Palace defender, has been called up to replace Saliba. This marks Lacroix’s first France call-up, and he has played 43 games in all competitions this season. Lacroix was part of France’s expanded 27-man squad announced by coach Didier Deschamps on Thursday. France will face Brazil in Boston on March 26 and Colombia in Washington on March 29.
🚨🇫🇷 William Saliba suffers ankle problem and will miss upcoming France games.
Maxence Lacroix will replace Saliba, first call for Palace defender as @FabriceHawkins reports. pic.twitter.com/8yRQV3dyx9
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 22, 2026
The 2022 World Cup runners-up are in Group I at this year’s tournament with Senegal, Norway, and a winner from the inter-confederation playoffs.
Saliba’s injury is a blow to Arsenal, who are currently top of the Premier League. The Gunners will be without Saliba for at least 10 days, and his availability for their next match against Southampton is uncertain.
