It wasn't to be for William Saliba and France as Lionel Messi lead Argentina to victory in the 2022 FIFA World Cup final.
Earlier in the week, there were suggestions of a surprise start for the Arsenal defender when RMC Sport reporter Fabrice Hawkins, revealed that both members of Les Bleus' pairing for the semi-final win over Morocco had fallen ill: "Two other players caught cold. Defenders Raphael Varane and Ibrahima Konate," he said. Their situation is not alarming but the staff will closely monitor their state of health."
As things turned out in a huge boost for France, the Manchester United ace and the Liverpool defender were passed fit for the final, although the former kept his place in the side and was partnered by Bayern Munich star Dayot Upamecano who had missed the Morocco game with the flu himself.
