Arsenal and Man Utd stars to start in shock three-man backline for France at the World Cup in Qatar

Raphael Varane and William Saliba are expected to start for France in a surprising formation at the 2022 World Cup, according to a report.

Varane's fitness has been a talking point in recent years gone by and it did not look good at Stamford Bridge last month when he was forced off during Man United's 1-1 draw with Chelsea.

The United centre-back has not played since the injury to his leg which saw him leave the pitch in tears as he feared the worst ahead of the World Cup.

Varane was responsible for United's revival after Erik ten Hag's worrying start to the season.

Saliba has also been in fine form for the Gunners this season as they sit top of the Premier League table.

The Arsenal defender only rejoined the London side this summer after spending last season on loan at Marseille.

Saliba and Varane to feature in a three at the back

According to L'Equipe, via Get Football News France, Saliba and Varane are expected to start for Didier Deschamps' side in Qatar this month.

The reported formation is set to see the pair join forces in a three-at-the-back formation with Monaco's defensive man Benoit Badiashile.

This would be quite the switch in formation from Deschamps as Les Bleus played four at the back during their triumphant 2018 Russian World Cup.

(Image via: Alamy)

Who will France play at the World Cup?

Les Bleus open their tournament with what should be an almost guaranteed victory against Australia before facing tougher competition in Denmark and Tunisia.

If they and England are to top their group, which they are expected to, they could come up against each other in the quarter-finals.

For that to happen, the Three Lions could have to get past Senegal in the first knockout round.