William Saliba will be rested for France's 2026 World Cup group stage match against Norway on Friday.
What happened?
Guy Stéphan, Didier Deschamps' assistant, confirmed the decision, citing the need to give Saliba a break.
Why it matters for William Saliba
Saliba has been a key player for France, but Stéphan wants to ensure he is fresh for the knockout stage.
Stéphan stopped short of revealing who would replace Saliba, but hinted that Maxence Lacroix would be the one, saying "just look at who replaced him in the last few games".
What comes next?
Lacroix, a Crystal Palace centre-back, is of serious interest to Chelsea and has already replaced Saliba in France's last warm-up match against Northern Ireland.
France has qualified for the knockout stage after back-to-back wins against Senegal and Iraq, and a draw or win against Norway will secure their place as Group I winners.
Deschamps is expected to link up with his squad in Boston on Saturday, after attending his mother's funeral in France.
The match against Norway will be a crucial test for France, with Erling Haaland and his teammates posing a significant threat.
Lacroix's potential start will be closely watched, as he looks to impress Chelsea and secure a transfer.
France's squad is in good shape, with several players in top form, and they will be looking to maintain their momentum in the tournament.
The 2026 World Cup has been an exciting tournament so far, with several upsets and surprises, and France will be looking to make a deep run.
Stéphan's decision to rest Saliba may be a wise one, as it will give him a chance to recover and come back strong in the knockout stage.
The match against Norway is scheduled to take place on Friday, and France will be looking to secure a win and top their group.
Lacroix's performance will be closely watched, as he looks to prove himself as a capable replacement for Saliba.
The 2026 World Cup is shaping up to be an exciting tournament, with several top teams competing for the title.
France's chances of winning the tournament are looking good, with a strong squad and a good draw.
The match against Norway will be an important one, as it will determine the winner of Group I and set the stage for the knockout stage.
Stéphan's decision to rest Saliba may pay off, as it will give him a chance to come back strong and help France make a deep run in the tournament.
The 2026 World Cup is an exciting time for football fans, with several top teams and players competing for the title.
France's squad is looking strong, with several top players in good form, and they will be looking to make a deep run in the tournament.
The match against Norway will be a tough one, but France has the talent and depth to come out on top.
Lacroix's potential start will be an interesting one to watch, as he looks to prove himself as a capable replacement for Saliba.
The 2026 World Cup is shaping up to be an exciting tournament, with several top teams competing for the title.
France's chances of winning the tournament are looking good, with a strong squad and a good draw.
The match against Norway will be an important one, as it will determine the winner of Group I and set the stage for the knockout stage.