William Saliba limped out of France’s World Cup semi-final defeat to Spain and Didier Deschamps has now shed light on the extent of the Arsenal defender’s back injury
William Saliba faces up to five months out of action after being forced off the field in France’s World Cup semi-final defeat to Spain. The French defender has been playing through the pain since March but the pain from his back injury became “unbearable” during the World Cup clash.
Saliba hobbled off the field with France already one-nil down against Luis de la Fuente’s side and now Arsenal face a blow as the Premier League champions bid to retain their title. The French centre-half may require surgery on a back fracture, a similar complaint to the one he suffered towards the end of the 2022/23 campaign.
France manager Deschamps revealed that, after examinations, his injury has not got worse but that the pain was no longer tolerable for his star defender. The extent of the 25-year-old’s problems only became clear on the field.
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Speaking ahead of France’s third-place play-off against England, said: “William Saliba got injured and it’s problematic.
“He went through some examinations. The injury did not worsen. He faced that injury since March. He had some pain and unfortunately the pain was not bearable.”
Arsenal are yet to provide any indication of a recovery timeline, though French media suggest it will be a lengthy absence, with concerns that it mirrors the problem he encountered previously.
Saliba had acknowledged earlier in the tournament that he had been dealing with some “niggles”, but the full extent of the injury only became apparent following the Spain fixture, when Deschamps confirmed the pain had become too great for him to continue.
Arsenal’s squad have entered this World Cup carrying significant concerns following an exhausting domestic season, with both Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka arriving with long-standing injury worries. Piero Hincapie also endured muscular problems ahead of Ecuador’s campaign, which highlights just how gruelling Arsenal’s season was and how hard Mikel Arteta pushed his squad to secure their first league title in 22 years.
Meanwhile, Deschamps will oversee his final match against England after a remarkable 15-year tenure and conceded it will be an emotional occasion.
Deschamps added: “In my head I know it’s the last match. I don’t want anybody to cry.
“I know that the French national team will be missed but I had the privilege for 15 years to wear this jersey and to go through some amazing moments and also some more difficult moments.
“The end is near but life goes on. I am a positive person and I know it will be great too.
“The French national team is the most beautiful thing that happened to me. It took 25 years in my life, that’s an amazing thing. I have some unforgettable memories. But the most important thing is what lies ahead.”
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