France vs Spain Semifinal Injury Tracker: Upamecano, Saliba Doubts Ease, Nico Williams Fully Fit
Both semifinalists head into today's Dallas-area showdown with fitness questions across the back line — here's the latest availability picture for France and Spain ahead of kickoff.
France: Defensive Duo Given Late Rest, Tchouaméni Returns
France trained without central defenders Dayot Upamecano and William Saliba on Saturday as the squad prepared to travel for the semifinal, according to Sports Mole and Khelnow. Upamecano was managing a sudden foot issue and worked individually, while Saliba — who has been playing through back discomfort — was given a rest day rather than a forced absence. Both are expected to be available for selection against Spain.
In more positive news for Didier Deschamps, midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni is set to return to the starting lineup after missing France's previous two knockout matches with a groin/thigh injury picked up in training. Kylian Mbappé, who picked up a minor ankle knock in the quarterfinal win over Morocco, has repeatedly said he is "completely fine" and is expected to start, per Forbes.
Spain: Nico Williams Cleared, Pino Still Working His Way Back
Spain's injury news is more encouraging. Winger Nico Williams has fully recovered from the groin problem suffered during the group-stage match against Uruguay and was cleared by medical staff in time to feature in the quarterfinal victory over Belgium, playing the final 12 minutes without setback, according to Khelnow. He is expected to be fully available for selection against France.
Yéremy Pino remains the one absentee to watch. The winger is still sidelined with an acromioclavicular joint sprain near his left collarbone and sat out the quarterfinal. Scans reportedly ruled out a fracture, easing initial fears the injury could be tournament-ending, and Pino continues individual training in the hope of a return before Spain's run ends — though he is not expected to be involved today.
Confirmed Availability at a Glance
| Player | Team | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Kylian Mbappé | France | Expected to start (minor ankle knock, managed) |
| Dayot Upamecano | France | Expected available (foot issue, individual work) |
| William Saliba | France | Expected available (rested, back discomfort) |
| Aurélien Tchouaméni | France | Set to return to starting XI |
| Nico Williams | Spain | Fully fit, available |
| Yéremy Pino | Spain | Out — training individually, targeting later return |
Why the Fitness Picture Matters Today
With both France and Spain having advanced through tense knockout football — France past Morocco, Spain past Belgium in the quarterfinals — neither manager wants to gamble on fitness in a one-off semifinal. A settled central-defensive pairing for France and a fully fit Nico Williams for Spain both represent significant boosts heading into a match many pundits, including ESPN FC's preview panel, have billed as a potential final in disguise given the quality on both sides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Mbappé is expected to start. He picked up a minor ankle knock in the quarterfinal against Morocco but has said he is fine, per Forbes.
Both are expected to be available. Upamecano managed a foot issue with individual training, and Saliba was given a rest day for back discomfort rather than being ruled out, according to Sports Mole and Khelnow.
No — Pino remains out with a shoulder-area sprain and is not expected to feature, though scans ruled out a fracture and he continues individual training toward a possible later return.