Arsenal defender William Saliba could face several weeks on the sidelines after aggravating an existing injury during Saturday’s Champions League final defeat to Manchester City, according to Foot Mercato. The centre-back is set to undergo further examinations on Monday to determine the severity of the issue and its potential impact on his participation in the upcoming World Cup.
Saliba, a key player for Arsenal throughout their impressive Premier League campaign, completed the full 120 minutes of the Champions League final despite carrying a pre-existing concern. The injury sustained during the match appears to have worsened, casting doubt over his availability for France’s campaign in the United States. Should Saliba be ruled out, Ibrahima Konaté of Liverpool is reportedly in line to partner Dayot Upamecano in central defence for Les Bleus.
The 23-year-old Saliba has established himself as a regular in the French national team, earning eight caps since making his debut in March 2022. He played a crucial role in Arsenal’s title challenge this season, forming a formidable partnership with Gabriel Magalhães at the heart of the Gunners’ defence. His absence would be a significant blow to both Arsenal and France.
France manager Didier Deschamps now faces a potential dilemma regarding his squad selection. If Saliba is unavailable, Deschamps will need to decide on a replacement for the 26-man roster, potentially turning to a player who was not originally included in his plans. This situation could open the door for other defenders to stake a claim for a spot in the team. The news comes as a blow to the French national team, who are preparing for their World Cup campaign.
