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Upamecano and Saliba absent from training three days before France-Spain clash

France's two starting centre-backs, Dayot Upamecano and William Saliba, missed Saturday's training session at Bentley University in Waltham, three days before the World Cup semi-final against Spain in Dallas.

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Upamecano and Saliba absent from training three days before France-Spain clash
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Dayot Upamecano and William Saliba missed France’s training session on Saturday at Bentley University in Waltham, three days before the 2026 World Cup semi-final against Spain (Tuesday, Dallas).

France’s staff described the absences as precautionary measures, without questioning the two defenders’ participation in the clash against La Roja. Upamecano is suffering from a foot problem but is still expected to start in Didier Deschamps’ lineup. Saliba has been dealing with back pain for several weeks and is being managed accordingly.

Saturday’s session was light: Kylian Mbappé, who suffered an ankle injury in the quarter-final against Morocco, and Aurélien Tchouaméni were able to train without restriction, dispelling doubts about their availability.

The real test for the entire squad is scheduled for Sunday morning, still in the Boston area. In the afternoon, France will fly to Texas, where they will face Spain, the defending European champions, for a place in the World Cup final.

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