France defender William Saliba doubtful for Netherlands clash

Les Blues sweating as William Saliba doubtful for Netherlands clash.

William Saliba is doubtful for France’s Euro 2024 clash against the Netherlands on Friday. The defender trained on his own on Wednesday due a ‘muscular pain’.

It’s a worrying development for head coach Didier Deschamps, who is most likely going to be without Mbappe, who went off with a bloody nose during their opening game against Austria on Monday.

Although he will not require an operation, Mbappe is set to sport a mask for the rest of the tournament. He, too, trained away from the squad today and engaged in some light exercises. Additionally, Olivier Giroud also missed training due to a knock.

L’Equipe have now reported that first-choice centre-back pairing of Saliba and Dayot Upamecano were both absent from group training.

Despite an excellent Premier League campaign with Arsenal last season, Saliba wasn’t expected to start in their XI, but Deschamps gave him a chance and the 23-year-old made the most of it, playing a starring role in shutting out Austria as Les Blues prevailed 1-0.

France face tough battle against Netherlands

France’s real test of mettle will be against the high-flying Netherlands, who came from behind to beat Poland in their opening game. With an array of talent at their disposal, Les Blues can expect a tough fight against the Oranje, who will be eager to book their place in the round of 16.

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