Axel Disasi called up to replace William Saliba in France squad | OneFootball

AS Monaco centre-back Axel Disasi has received a call-up to the France national team squad as a replacement for the injured William Saliba, according to L’Equipe reporter Loic Tanzi.

Saliba had been included in Didier Deschamps’ 25-man squad for their upcoming European Championship qualifiers.

However, the Arsenal defender has been ruled out for several weeks after suffering a back injury in their Europa League exit against Sporting Lisbon on Thursday.

Saliba’s performances for the Gunners earned him a well-deserved chance to represent his nation, having established a fine partnership with Gabriel Magalhaes at the heart of the defence.

The 21-year-old has racked up 33 appearances across all competitions, chipping in with three goals and one assist for Mikel Arteta’s side.

Saliba has also played his part in helping the Gunners keep 11 Premier League clean sheets this term, and missing out on a chance to help the national side will come as a blow to the young Frenchman.

Disasi, who will replace the Arsenal man, was part of France’s squad that reached the 2022 World Cup final in Qatar before losing out to Argentina.

The 25-year-old was not part of Deschamps’ plans for Qatar, but he got the nod following Paris Saint-Germain’s Presnel Kimpembe’s withdrawal from the squad.

Disasi has been a regular for Monaco this season, racking up 38 appearances in all competitions while contributing five goals and four assists.

He has played a pivotal role in Philippe Clement’s side, who are firmly in the mix for a place in next season’s Champions League.

The defender was part of the Les Monegasques squad that beat relegation-threatened Ajaccio 2-0 to put them within three points of third-placed RC Lens.

Disasi is expected to arrive at Clairefontaine, France’s training ground, on Monday.

Deschamps’ side will host the Dutch on Friday at the Stade de France before travelling to Ireland three days later to kick off their campaign to qualify for the Germany-hosted Euro 2024.