William Saliba to take centre stage for France amid Ibrahima Konaté’s absence

William Saliba in the new Arsenal away kit for 2023/24 (Photo via Arsenal.com)
William Saliba in the new Arsenal away kit for 2023/24 (Photo via Arsenal.com)

As France prepares for a pivotal Euro 2024 qualification match against Ireland, Arsenal’s William Saliba is poised to take centre stage, filling in for the injured Ibrahima Konaté.

The young defender’s upcoming start reveals the depth of talent in France’s squad and throws light on Saliba’s rising stock in international football, according to French publication L’Équipe.

The match will take place at the iconic Parc des Princes in Paris.

Saliba’s rise through the ranks

Arsenal's French defender William Saliba celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the UEFA Europa League last 16 first leg football match between Sporting CP and Arsenal at Jose Alvalade stadium in Lisbon on March 9, 2023. (Photo by FILIPE AMORIM/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal’s French defender William Saliba celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal during the UEFA Europa League last 16 first leg football match between Sporting CP and Arsenal at Jose Alvalade stadium in Lisbon on March 9, 2023. (Photo by FILIPE AMORIM/AFP via Getty Images)

Saliba, 22, has been making waves at Arsenal, and this appears to be his chance to cement his place in Didier Deschamps’ plans.

Recovering from a back issue that ended his first season with Arsenal early, Saliba will reportedly take the field for what will be his ninth appearance for France.

Given Konaté’s prominent role in the squad, this game represents a considerable test for the young Arsenal defender.

Deschamps’ defensive dilemma

Didier Deschamps faces a conundrum in choosing his defensive lineup.

The Liverpool defender Konaté’s absence is a big blow for France, especially as he had formed a strong defensive partnership with Bayern Munich’s Dayot Upamecano.

The two share a bond that goes back to their time at RB Leipzig.

Although Axel Disasi and Jean-Clair Todibo are also options at centre-back, Saliba’s recent form for Arsenal makes him the standout choice.

Lucas Hernandez and Jules Koundé, while capable at centre-back, are likely to be utilised as full-backs in the upcoming fixture.

Other notable mentions in the French lineup

L’Équipe also reports that Eduardo Camavinga is likely to be given the nod over Real Madrid teammate Aurélien Tchouaméni in the midfield.

Forward Randal Kolo Muani, recently signed by Paris Saint-Germain, is still recovering from an ankle sprain and did not participate in training.

Consequently, France’s all-time top scorer, and former Arsenal forward, Olivier Giroud is expected to lead the line for Les Bleus.