World Cup: You can’t start for France even if Varane is injured – Gallas tells Saliba

Former Chelsea and Arsenal defender, William Gallas, has told William Saliba that he will not start for France at the World Cup despite concerns over Raphael Varane.

France boss, Didier Deschamps had added the young Arsenal defender to his squad after his exceptional performances in the first half the Premier League season

There are ongoing concerns over Varane’s fitness. Manchester United’s centre-back was expected to start at the heart of France’s defence.

Saliba has already made seven appearances at senior level for France but Gallas has warned that he is still behind two players in France’s pecking order.

“William Saliba has had a brilliant first half of the season, but I think it will be difficult for him to be a starter for France,” Gallas told Genting Casino.

“Even if Varane doesn’t play, I don’t think that Saliba would be Deschamps’ first choice to start.

“You have [Ibrahima] Konate at Liverpool and [Dayot] Upamecano at [Bayern] Munich.”