Arsenal centre-back William Saliba could be dropped by France for their games against the Netherlands and Scotland later this month, according to Le Parisien.

The French newspaper claims the decision to keep the Gunners’ defender in the squad is “in the balance” as manager Didier Deschamps ponders whether to recall other players.

Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate has returned to fitness, while Marseille’s Jonathan Clauss is also being considered for selection, which means Saliba or Chelsea’s Axel Disasi could drop out, along with Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo.

Saliba only returned to the French squad last month for the matches versus Ireland and Germany. He started against the latter, although his side did suffer a 2-1 defeat.

Saliba has been in excellent form but he was criticised for his display against Lens

The 22-year-old has been outstanding since the Premier League kicked off back in August, and he has consistently been one of Arsenal’s best performers.

However, Saliba wasn’t at his best in the Champions League on Tuesday evening when the Gunners lost 2-1 to Lens. Club legend Thierry Henry questioned the defender’s marking for Elye Wahi’s winning goal:

“Can we talk about Saliba? The space never scores a goal. Can you have a look at where your striker is? He never looked at where his No.9 is. Only the No.9 can score there. He never looks to see what Wahi does, he never looks! He never looks! You have to check your shoulder.”

Saliba will be keen to impress for Arsenal against City

After a below-par performance in France, the centre-half will be hoping to put in a better display when the Gunners take on Manchester City at the Emirates on Sunday.

If Saliba can impress and help his team secure an important 3 points, it could be enough for him to keep his place in the national team squad.