St Etienne coach Claude Puel accepts William Saliba won't be returning for the French Cup final.

ASSE have been locked in talks with Arsenal about a new loan arrangement for the defender in order for Saliba to be available to Puel for the Cup final against PSG later this month.

But as it stands, no agreement has been found between the two clubs - something Puel became resigned to after yesterday's friendly against Nice.

Following the 4-1 win, Puel shrugged: "No progress for William Saliba.

"The more you go in time, the less it seems plausible since a player needs rhythm. I have my players available, I focus on them."