Nordi Mukiele awaits deserved phone call as William Saliba update opens door for Sunderland star
Nordi Mukiele may find himself back in the France set-up for the World Cup.
Granit Xhaka was named as Sunderland’s Player of the Season, and while deserved, you could have said that about almost any of the new arrivals at the Stadium of Light.
That includes Mukiele, who took to the Premier League like a dog to water, despite often being asked to play in various different roles.
The Frenchman finished the campaign with seven goal involvements, showcasing his attacking influence at right-back.
And all of that hard work may yet pay off after the latest news in regard to William Saliba.
France call-up awaits for Nordi Mukiele
Even without the recently reported injury to Saliba, Mukiele could count himself unfortunate to have missed out on a spot in France’s World Cup squad.
No defender in the Premier League completed more clearances than he did, while only 2.4 per cent of them managed more defensive contributions.
That in itself was worthy of a call-up, and that may now come depending on the severity of Saliba’s injury.
It’s believed that the Arsenal star will be fit enough to make it to the United States, but may have to undergo surgery upon the conclusion of the tournament.
France’s World Cup campaign gets underway on 16 June when they face Habib Diarra’s Senegal.
Who else will feature at the World Cup?
Sunderland have a whole host of players set to compete in the competition, all from various nations.
As mentioned above, Diarra will represent Senegal, having registered an assist in their last outing, while Simon Adingra, Chemsdine Talbi, Arthur Masuaku and Noah Sadiki will all represent other African nations.
Wilson Isidor will be looking to make history with Haiti, Nilson Angulo will be looking to make his mark with Ecuador, and Omar Alderete will have a crucial role with Paraguay.
The Netherlands will be expected to go far, and they will have Robin Roefs and Brian Brobbey in the squad, both of whom were more than deserving of their call-up.
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