Arsenal defender William Saliba has been ruled out of the France squad due to injury, missing upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Colombia. He will be replaced by Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace, who takes a spot in the 27-player roster.
Saliba played the full 90 minutes in Arsenal’s recent Carabao Cup final loss on Sunday, but will be sidelined due to a “left ankle injury.”
Lacroix receives his first call-up to the senior national team after being an integral part of every match for Palace this season.
“Maxence Lacroix earns his first call-up to Les Bleus,” announced the France Football Federation.
“The 25-year-old CPFC defender, who has gone through the youth ranks, is expected to arrive at Clairefontaine on Monday.
“He is stepping in for William Saliba, who is dealing with a left ankle injury, and we wish him a quick recovery.”
Didier Deschamps’ team will travel 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.