Arsenal defender William Saliba has pulled out of the France squad due to an injury ahead of their friendly matches against Brazil and Colombia this month, with Crystal Palace’s Maxence Lacroix stepping in to take his place in the 27-man roster.
Saliba participated for the full 90 minutes in Arsenal’s Carabao Cup final loss on Sunday but will not be joining the national team because of a “left ankle injury.”
Lacroix receives his first senior call-up after contributing in every match across all competitions for Palace this season thus far.
“First call-up to Les Bleus for Maxence Lacroix,” stated the France Football Federation.
“The 25-year-old CPFC defender, who has previously been part of the youth teams, is expected to arrive at Clairefontaine this Monday.
“He is substituting for William Saliba, who is dealing with a left ankle injury, and we wish him a swift recovery.”
Didier Deschamps’ team will head to the United States during the March international break to face Brazil in Foxborough on March 26, followed by a match against Colombia in Maryland on March 29.
