PARIS Saint-Germain are set to face off against fellow Ligue 1 side St Etienne in the French Cup final tonight.
However, the underdogs will be without one of their key players of the season when they lineup at the Parc des Princes.
French football has been paused since the COVID-19 pandemic hit in March, and this will be the first competitive match either side will have played since then.
The Ligue 1 season was cancelled but the final for the Coupe De France was rescheduled to July 24.
Who is William Saliba?
William Saliba, 19, is an Arsenal player who was loaned back to St Etienne for the 2019/2020 season.
The youngster has featured 17 times for the French side and will be watching his team from the sidelines when they take on PSG.
Why isn’t William Saliba playing for Saint-Etienne against PSG?
The rescheduled Coupe De France game was rescheduled for 24 July which is after Saliba’s contract expired.
His loan agreement ended on June 30 and the clubs could not come to a significant resolution for extension, meaning Saliba had to return to the North London club.
Arsenal and Saint Etienne were thought to be in a dispute over Saliba’s contract extension and a £2.25 million fee.
The Gunners initially cited a discrepancy over Saliba’s training place and the youngster picking up an injury.
Ligue 1 journalist commented on the dispute between the clubs that involved £2.25 million basing it on Saliba reaching 17 starts.
However, Saliba is eager to return to Arsenal under Mikel Arteta.
He said: “A number of French players have been there. Arsenal has not been at the top of its game for the last three, four years.
“But, like St Etienne, its badge, its history and its fans made me want it.
“I have a crush on Arsenal. What it gives off speaks to me. I had no hesitation. I am discovering another world.”
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By: Sara Hussain
Title: Why isn’t William Saliba playing for St Etienne against PSG in the Coupe de France final?
Sourced From: www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/12217573/william-saliba-not-playing-st-etienne-psg/
Published Date: Fri, 24 Jul 2020 17:07:46 +0000
