France boss Didier Deschamps doesn’t hold back in his criticism of William Saliba as he explains why the Arsenal defender is not a regular starter for Les Bleus

Didier Deschamps has insisted that William Saliba continues to struggle to break into the France starting XI because his shaky international performances have not “gone well”.

The defender has enjoyed an excellent season with Arsenal to date and played an integral role in the title challenge for Mikel Arteta’s Premier League leaders.

But his fortunes at club level are in stark contrast to his problems at Les Blues, with players such as Dayot Upamecano, Ibrahima Konate and Benjamin Pavard favored over him.

Saliba was an unused substitute in France’s 2-0 friendly defeat to Germany at the weekend and has started just two of his nation’s last 18 matches.

He could be in line to play against Chile on Tuesday in a rotated XI, but Deschamps has defended his decision to restrict him to a supporting role.

Saliba has struggled to break into Deschamps’ starting XI as others are favored over him.

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“He’s having a good season, but he also does things that I don’t like very much,” Deschamps told reporters at a pre-match press conference on Monday.

“For France, he has limited playing time, but when he plays, he hasn’t necessarily done well.

‘The hierarchy does not favor him at the moment, but he is here. Dayot Upamecano has had playing time and perhaps William has had less.

“With some players I make sure to persevere, because it can be confidence or small blocks that can change.

‘Some don’t have any worries, others need playing time. “William has had less playing time, which doesn’t allow him to be very calm.”

The defender’s superb form for Arsenal this season is in stark contrast to his struggles at Les Blues.

Deschamps believes Saliba has yet to impress during his appearances for his country

Saliba has made 38 appearances in all competitions for Arsenal this season, but has only appeared 12 times on the international stage since his debut in 2022.

Deschamps previously insisted the centre-half is not in the same “psychological situation” with France compared to his blossoming career at Arsenal.

“At international level, he hasn’t always been in the best condition in games where I’ve rotated a lot,” Deschamps said. “He is not in the same psychological situation with his club, where he does not wonder if he will play.

“When he has playing time with us, he tells himself that he needs to play well because there are others behind him.

“He is not in a psychological situation equal to that of his club. He has everything he needs to take the next step.”