Lacroix Replaces Injured Saliba in France Squad

William Saliba out with injury

France coach Deschamps calls up Lacroix after Saliba injury. Lacroix earns first France call-up ahead of friendlies against Brazil and Colombia.

Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix replaces injured William Saliba in France squad...

William Saliba has been ruled out of France's squad due to injury, just before their friendlies against Brazil and Colombia. The Arsenal defender played the full 90 minutes in Sunday's 2-0 League Cup final defeat to Manchester City, but the French Football Federation (FFF) announced his injury shortly after.

Saliba is suffering from recurring pain in his left ankle, requiring treatment and a minimum rest period of 10 days. He's been replaced by Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix, who receives his first senior France call-up. Lacroix, 25, has played 43 games in all competitions this season and is expected to join France's training camp at Clairefontaine.

“The Arsenal centre back is suffering from recurring pain in his left ankle, requiring treatment and a minimum rest period of 10 days,” it said ⁠in a statement.

“National coach Didier Deschamps has decided to replace him with Maxence Lacroix,” the FFF added.

Maxence Lacroix, the 25-year-old Crystal Palace defender, has received his first-ever France call-up ahead of the 2026 World Cup. He's earned this opportunity after playing 43 games in all competitions this season.

Lacroix is replacing William Saliba, who was part of France's expanded 27-man squad announced by coach Didier Deschamps on Thursday but has been ruled out due to a recurring left ankle injury. Saliba played the full 90 minutes in Arsenal's 2-0 Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester City.

France has got some exciting matches ahead. They're facing Brazil in Boston on March 26 and then taking on Colombia in Washington on March 29. These friendlies are crucial for their preparation for the 2026 World Cup.

1ère convocation en Bleu pour Maxence Lacroix 🇫🇷👏

Le défenseur de @CPFC, âgé de 25 ans et déjà passé par les sélections de jeunes, est attendu ce lundi à Clairefontaine.

🔄 Il remplace William Saliba, touché à la cheville gauche, à qui l’on souhaite un bon rétablissement. pic.twitter.com/DbSkTsjiKU

— Equipe de France ⭐⭐ (@equipedefrance) March 22, 2026

As for the World Cup, France is in Group I, alongside Senegal, Norway, and a winner from the inter-confederation playoffs. They're looking strong as the 2022 World Cup runners-up.