If Saliba is unable to recover in time, Deschamps will be forced to pivot to alternative options within his star-studded squad. Ibrahima Konate remains a high-level deputy, while the likes of Maxence Lacroix, Lucas Hernandez, and Jules Kounde could provide additional depth for the 2018 world champions.
However, losing the player widely considered the best right-sided centre-back in England is a bitter pill to swallow for the French squad. While staff and supporters remain hopeful, initial medical assessments suggest the Arsenal defender’s World Cup ambitions are in serious jeopardy following his injury in Budapest.