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Arsenal star a 'major doubt' for World Cup as worrying injury claim emerges

William Saliba and Kai Havertz

William Saliba will undergo tests on Monday after picking up an injury in the Champions League final, according to reports.

Saliba played every minute of the match as Arsenal lost on penalties to Paris Saint-Germain on Saturday.

Arsenal's William Saliba2

Saliba played the full 120 minutes against PSG on Saturday

Reports by Foot Mercato in France claim there are growing fears he could be sidelined for several weeks.

It is said that he was playing with a minor injury in Budapest, but aggravated it during the defeat to PSG in the Puskas Arena.

This would put the 25-year-old's participation at the 2026 World Cup in serious doubt.

The centre-back, who has played 31 times for France, is expected to be a key member of their squad as they bid to win another World Cup.

He has formed a formidable partnership with Bayern Munich's Dayot Upamecano.

Ibrahima Konate or Maxence Lacroix could be the beneficiary if Saliba misses any games at the tournament.

France begin their pursuit of a third title in the USA, Canada, and Mexico against Senegal on June 16.

Les Bleus face Iraq on June 22 and Norway on June 26.

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Saliba this season

The defender has played 50 games in all competitions for the Gunners, including 31 in the Premier League.

His partnership with Gabriel saw Arsenal concede just 27 goals on their way to a first league title in 22 years.

Arsenal's Gabriel and William Saliba with the Premier League trophy2

Gabriel and Saliba have created a formidable partnership in the Arsenal defence

Saliba has been an inspired signing that cost just £27m from Saint-Etienne in 2019.

He returned to the club on loan before staying in France at Nice and Marseille before returning to the Emirates in 2022.

The 25-year-old has not looked back from there, playing 184 times for the club.

Speaking after winning the Premier League, Saliba said: “Now we are champions. Last season we finished second but even when we finished second, we had the good mentality the season after to keep going and it finally paid off.

“We didn’t give up, we deserve that title, and we will come back again next season to try and win as well.

“It is my first one, so I am happy. But I am not full. I want more.”

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