William Saliba is set to step into the starting lineup for France against Germany on Tuesday night, after featuring as a substitute on Thursday.

France's defender William Saliba attends a press conference at the Jassim-bin-Hamad Stadium in Doha on December 2, 2022, during the Qatar 2022 World Cup football tournament.(Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)
France’s defender William Saliba attends a press conference at the Jassim-bin-Hamad Stadium in Doha on December 2, 2022, during the Qatar 2022 World Cup football tournament. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)

Arsenal’s William Saliba has been one of the defensive stars of the Premier League since his debut for the Gunners last August, recently featuring in the PFA Team of the Year for his performances in 2022/23.

The new campaign has started off in similar fashion, leading to a call-up by Didier Deschamps for his latest France squad.

Saliba made an appearance as a substitute for France in their Euro 2024 qualifier against the Republic of Ireland on Thursday, playing the final 17 minutes of their 2-0 win, but he’s now set to make his first start of the break.

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 12: William Saliba of Arsenal looks on during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Nottingham Forest at Emirates Stadium on August 12, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND: William Saliba of Arsenal looks on during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Nottingham Forest at Emirates Stadium on August 12, 2023. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

L’Equipe (via GFFN) report that Deschamps is planning a number of changes to his France team for the trip to Germany on Tuesday night, with Saliba among those to come into the side.

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Saliba is reportedly likely to start alongside Dayot Upamecano, who is expected to keep his place from the opening game of the break.

Tuesday’s match is only a friendly, with Germany the hosts of Euro 2024 and therefore under no obligation to play qualifiers.

But there will be particular interest in the fixture from Germany’s side, following their 4-1 defeat to Japan and subsequent sacking of Hansi Flick.

William Saliba returns to training (via Arsenal.com)
William Saliba after his return to training (via Arsenal.com)

Saliba may well find himself up against Arsenal teammate Kai Havertz, who generally plays up front for the German side. But given the change in management, that remains to be seen.

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