Arsenal defender William Saliba has pulled out of the France squad for their upcoming World Cup 2026 qualifiers, and the nature of his recent injury has also been revealed.
The 24-year-old lasted just five minutes ofSunday's 1-0 loss to Liverpoolbefore being withdrawn, marking Arsenal's earliest substitution in a Premier League match since November 2012.
Saliba appeared to come off worse in a duel with compatriot Hugo Ekitike and was replaced by Cristhian Mosquera, who held his own alongside Gabriel Magalhaes in the Arsenal defence.
However, there was nothing Mosquera, Gabriel or David Raya could have done about Dominik Szoboszlai's sensational game-winning free kick, which propelled Liverpool to all three points at Arsenal's expense.
Injury was added to insult for the Gunners with Saliba's concern, although he was filmed giving a thumbs-up to a journalistwhile limping through the mixed zone after the game.
Arsenal's Saliba pulls out of France squad with ankle injury
Arsenal's William Saliba pictured on August 23, 2025
Nevertheless, the centre-back's issue is serious enough that he will not be able to link up with France for their upcoming matches against Ukraine and Iceland, and Inter Milan's Benjamin Pavard has been called up in his place.
The French Football Federation confirmed the defensive swap on Monday, revealing that the Arsenal man was suffering from an ankle sprain, although they did not disclose the severity of the problem.
"William Saliba, who started for Arsenal against Liverpool on Sunday, was forced off in the fifth minute," a statement read. "He will not be able to honor his call-up for the first training camp of the season. He is suffering from a sprained left ankle.
"After a discussion with Franck Le Gall, the French team doctor, Didier Deschamps confirmed the unavailability of William Saliba. The national coach has decided to call up Benjamin Pavard as a reinforcement. The Inter Milan defender is expected this Monday at the National Football Center in Clairefontaine."
How many Arsenal matches could Saliba miss?
Arsenal's William Saliba pictured on December 27, 2024
Ankle sprains are typically divided into three grades, with a Grade 1 injury being the least severe (a mild strain), and a Grade 3 issue representing a complete tear that could take months to heal.
The fact that Saliba was able to walk away from the stadium unaided suggests that he has only suffered a Grade 1 injury; if that is the case, he will likely make a full recovery within one to two weeks.
As a result, the Frenchman may be fit and ready for Arsenal's first game back at home to Nottingham Forest on September 13, or their opening Champions League clash with Athletic Bilbao three days later.
However, Arteta remains without Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus for the time being, while Ben White and Christian Norgaard remain doubtful for the visit of Forest in two weeks' time due to their ongoing knocks.
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