Overview
- William Saliba was rested for the Norway game because of recurring back discomfort and is expected to start against Sweden to strengthen France’s central defence.
- Coach Didier Deschamps said Saliba is not at full fitness but that a specific recovery protocol and reduced load have been used to preserve him for this match.
- Saliba has acknowledged small back problems that date back months and said heavy club schedules led him to play through pain while following an individualized program in camp.
- France have shown defensive fragility, with only one clean sheet in their last eight games and too many clear chances conceded, which has increased the importance of restoring the Saliba–Upamecano partnership.
- Players have criticized the MetLife Stadium pitch as very hard and reported only slight improvement, a factor that could raise injury risk and affect how France manage minutes for key defenders.