William Saliba will start for France against Spain’s Martin Zubimendi, Mikel Merino and David Raya in Tuesday’s World Cup semi-final, despite carrying a back issue he has managed throughout the tournament.
According to Arsenal’s own build-up coverage and a Sky Sports preview of the tie, the centre-back was absent from France’s final training session on Saturday as Didier Deschamps’ medical staff continue to manage his ongoing back discomfort. Saliba has nevertheless started and completed 90 minutes in five of France’s six games at the tournament, and he is expected to take his place at AT&T Stadium in Arlington when the two European heavyweights meet on Tuesday evening.
Martin Zubimendi Lines Up For Spain Alongside Merino And Raya
Waiting for him in Luis de la Fuente’s side are three more familiar faces from north London. Martin Zubimendi has established himself as a fixture in Spain’s midfield since his move from Real Sociedad, while Mikel Merino’s recovery from the stress fracture that left him needing a mobility scooter in January has made his impact at this World Cup all the more striking. David Raya completes the quartet in goal.
France have conceded only once with Saliba on the pitch at this tournament – against Senegal in their opening game – and kept clean sheets against Sweden, Paraguay and Morocco to reach the last four. Mikel Arteta will be watching from afar as the club that already guaranteed itself a World Cup finalist discovers exactly how far that run extends.
Kick-off in Dallas is at 8pm UK time, with the winner advancing to face England or Argentina at MetLife Stadium on 19 July – a final in which Arsenal’s involvement is already secured.
