Saliba gets 1st call to France squad to replace Pavard

PARIS (AP) — Marseille defender William Saliba has been known as as much as France’s nationwide group for upcoming pleasant matches as a substitute for Benjamin Pavard, the French soccer federation stated Monday.

Pavard, who performs for Bayern Munich, has been dominated out after testing constructive for COVID-19 final week.

As a part of their preparations for the World Cup in Qatar later this 12 months, the defending champions will tackle Ivory Coast in Marseille on March 25. They are going to then play South Africa in Lille on March 29.

The 20-year-old Saliba had by no means been known as as much as France’s nationwide squad earlier than.

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