France’s starting centre-back pairing were notable absentees as the squad returned to training on Saturday afternoon following their World Cup quarter-final victory over Morocco. William Saliba and Dayot Upamecano both sat out the session at the team’s base camp at Bentley University in the west of Boston, though the defensive duo are anticipated to recover in time for Tuesday’s last-four clash against Spain.
Defensive Concerns Carefully Managed
Saliba has been contending with a back issue throughout the tournament and has already missed several training sessions during the competition. The Arsenal defender has been participating in a modified programme, with France’s medical staff managing his workload carefully to maintain his match fitness for the knockout stages.
Upamecano was also rested during Saturday’s workout. The Bayern Munich defender has been dealing with foot pain and was withdrawn from the session as a precautionary measure. L’Équipe reports that his absence forms part of a load management strategy rather than signalling a serious setback that would threaten his involvement in the semi-final.
Positive Developments Elsewhere
The news elsewhere in the squad offers greater reassurance to Didier Deschamps. Captain Kylian Mbappé participated fully in training despite sustaining an ankle knock during Thursday’s victory over the Atlas Lions. The forward, who opened the scoring in the quarter-final with a strike around the hour mark, had previously indicated in the mixed zone that the injury was not a significant concern.
Aurélien Tchouaméni also returned to the group after missing the Morocco match due to a thigh injury. The Real Madrid midfielder’s comeback provides the head coach with additional options in the centre of the park as he prepares his tactical approach for the Spanish challenge.
Schedule Ahead
Les Bleus were granted a day off immediately following their quarter-final triumph against Morocco on Thursday. The squad will hold another training session on Sunday morning before flying out to Dallas later that afternoon. France face Spain on Tuesday with a place in the World Cup final at stake.