Arsenal centre-back William Saliba has been forced to withdraw from the France squad for upcoming international friendlies against Brazil and Croatia
12:06, 23 Mar 2026
Arsenal defender William Saliba
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Arsenal defender William Saliba has withdrawn from the France squad
France have issued a statement to provide further background on the injury issue that has seen William Saliba withdraw from the Les Bleus squad for upcoming international friendlies against Brazil and Croatia.
Saliba played the full match on Sunday as the Gunners fell short in the Carabao Cup final, losing 2-0 to Manchester City at Wembley.
Shortly after the game, France confirmed Saliba would not be joining the group due to an ankle injury and he was replaced by Crystal Palace's Maxence Lacroix.
The French Football Federation said, confirming an injury timeline: "William Saliba is unable to join the French national team's training camp, which begins this Monday, March 23. The Arsenal centre-back is suffering from recurring pain in his left ankle, requiring treatment and a minimum rest period of ten days."
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It would suggest the 24-year-old will be fit to feature for Arsenal at Southampton in the FA Cup quarter-final when club football returns on April 4.
Saliba was moving freely and did not limp as he left Wembley on Sunday. The issue in question is believed to be the same ankle problem that saw Saliba miss recent wins against Brighton and Mansfield Town after scoring in the 2-1 triumph over Chelsea.
Given France are travelling to the United States on Tuesday for what's effectively two World Cup warm-up matches, it's a major boost for Arsenal that Saliba will not be heading Stateside.
He was not the only Arsenal player to withdraw from an international squad, either. Eberechi Eze and Jurrien Timber will not be participating for England or Holland during the break, either.
Arsenal defender William Saliba is dealing with an ankle injury
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Arsenal defender William Saliba is set to rest his ankle during the international break(Image: (Photo by Alex Burstow/Arsenal FC via Getty Images))
Both players missed the Carabao Cup final with calf and ankle injuries, respectively. Eze has been replaced in the England squad by Harvey Barnes and Gunners full-back Ben White has also been added to Thomas Tuchel's Three Lions squad in place of Jarrell Quansah.
It's the first time White has been included in an international squad since the 2022 World Cup when he was sent home for "personal reasons."
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Meanwhile, Noni Madueke is still expected to feature for England in friendlies against Uruguay and Japan despite battling a wrist issue that he sustained in training last Friday.
Madueke wore a cost at Wembley on Sunday and left Wembley with notable strapping on his arm.
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