William Saliba is just as important for France as he is for Arsenal, but he been forced off the pitch through injury against Spain
Arsenal defender William Saliba suffered an injury in France’s World Cup semi-final clash with Spain. The Gunners centre-back has been imperious for his country in his first ever World Cup.
Unfortunately, he has suffered a huge blow as a back injury forced him to leave the match before half-time, where he was replaced by Crystal Palace defender and Chelsea transfer target Maxence Lecroix. He went down to the ground untouched and off the ball, which instantly caused worry amongst his team-mates.
He also appeared to be mouthing “my back is gone, my back is gone” as he struggled. Saliba then sunk to the ground and walked off the pitch.
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The Arsenal star had started and played the full 90 minutes of every match in France’s World Cup campaign, aside from the 4-1 victory over Norway in the group stages, when their place in the knockout stages was already confirmed.
His early departure was a double blow for the French as they had just fallen behind for the first time in the whole competition minutes before. Mikel Oyarzabal scored from the spot to give the Euro 2024 winners a 1-0 lead in the 22nd minute.
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Didier Deschamps’ side had barely recovered from that body blow before Saliba felt his back. Les Bleus will not be the only side concerned about his injury.
Mikel Arteta will be particularly concerned by the sight of the 25-year-old pulling up. Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes were the spine of Arsenal’s Premier League title triumph and run to the League Cup and Champions League final.
He made 50 appearances in all competitions for Arsenal last season. In the seven Premier League matches he missed, Arsenal dropped six points. Arteta’s focus on signing defenders who can operate as a full back as well as a centre back means there will be cover.
He would likely need to bring the likes of Ben White or Jurrien Timber alongside Gabriel, if Saliba is absent for the start of the new Premier League campaign. Saliba has been battling issues with his back throughout the tournament, with the defender admitting himself he has not been at full fitness.
At the start of the competition, he said: “I’ve had some minor niggles for several months. I’ve been gritting my teeth because there was the Champions League and the Premier League. But the coaching staff are handling it very well.
“The World Cup comes round only once every four years, so you’ve got to grit your teeth. I’m not at 100 per cent, but there are plenty of players who aren’t at 100 per cent either, you cannot make excuses.”
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