Deschamps Confirms Saliba Fit for Final Friendly

Deschamps said his fitness update focused on the players who were finalists in the most recent Champions League. He confirmed that his 26-man squad will be available for the final friendly, with William Saliba fit and Ousmane Dembélé set to start against Northern Ireland on Monday. Deschamps explained to Téléfoot that Saliba’s back problem has improved and that the Arsenal defender is being looked after by the medical staff. He added that the injury has not kept Saliba from playing every Arsenal match this season. Saliba, a newly crowned Premier League champion, is expected to partner Dayot Upamecano in France’s central defence ahead of the World Cup opener against Senegal in nine days.