William Saliba is just as important for France as he is for Arsenal, but he been forced off the pitch through injury against Spain
20:35, 14 Jul 2026Updated 20:52, 14 Jul 2026
William Saliba injury
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William Saliba and Arsenal have suffered a huge blow(Image: ITV)
Arsenal defender William Saliba has limped off the pitch 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 injury forced him to leave the match before half-time. He staggered off the field and 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. Saliba appeared to have been feeling his back as he 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.
William Saliba of France leaves the pitch due to an injury during the FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinals match France against Spain, in Dallas, USA, 14 July 2026.
FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinals - France vs Spain, Dallas, USA - 14 Jul 2026
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Saliba was heartbroken as he left the pitch(Image: SHAWN THEW/EPA/Shutterstock)
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.
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