France reshuffles the squad after final loss: Saliba sidelined, Lacroix called up for USA friendlies

France makes a late squad change after the final

The French Football Federation announced on Sunday that a player was dropped from the national team list announced by head coach Didier Deschamps ahead of the March training camp.

Deschamps had named the squad on Thursday for friendlies against Brazil on March 26 and Colombia on March 29.

The coach had called up 26 players for this window in the United States.

But Foot Mercato reported that minutes after Arsenal's 0-2 defeat to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final, the federation confirmed Saliba would miss the first international window of the year due to an ankle injury.

Because of a left ankle injury, the Arsenal defender will not participate in the US trip.

Maxence Lacroix, who has been impressive with Crystal Palace, will join the squad and travel to the United States on Tuesday for two friendlies against Brazil and Colombia.

(Also read) Deschamps unveils France squad for Brazil and Colombia friendlies... what about Mbappé?

Punchlines: If football were a Sudoku, Saliba’s injury would be the missing number solved by Lacroix. And don’t worry Mbappé, the injury hotline probably has a fast reply: “Try again after the next match.”