Arsenal's Concern Grows as William Saliba Injures Back

Arsenal’s worst World Cup fear flickered into life in Texas as William Saliba limped out of France’s semi-final against Spain, clutching his lower back and their season’s plans in the process.

The centre-back, a pillar for club and country over the past two years, went down on the half-hour in Arlington while carrying the ball out of defence. There was no heavy collision, no spectacular tangle. Just a grimace, a hand to the lower back and the immediate sense that something was badly wrong.

Maxence Lacroix was sent to warm up at full tilt on the touchline. Within minutes, the change was confirmed. Saliba, unable to continue after a brief on-pitch assessment, made way for the Crystal Palace defender with France already trailing 1-0.

The damage on the scoreboard had arrived earlier. Mikel Oyarzabal broke the deadlock from the spot after a clumsy moment from Lucas Digne. The Paris Saint-Germain left-back misjudged a high ball, swung through it and instead connected with Lamine Yamal in the area. Spain’s captain stepped up, and France were behind.

For Didier Deschamps, the goal was bad enough. Losing Saliba, one of his most reliable performers this summer, turned concern into a full-blown headache.

This was not a bolt from the blue. Saliba had already admitted he had been managing a back issue throughout the tournament, playing through discomfort to stay on the pitch. Speaking before France’s group game against Iraq, the 25-year-old explained he had been carrying “minor niggles for several months,” battling through them during Arsenal’s Champions League and Premier League campaigns as well.

He made it clear he was determined to push on, insisting the World Cup “comes round only once every four years” and that he was prepared to grit his teeth to be part of it. Until now, that gamble had seemed under control. No major setbacks, no enforced absences, just careful management from France’s medical and coaching staff.

Texas changed that picture. After treatment and a closer look from the medical team, the verdict was swift: Saliba could not complete the 90 minutes. Deschamps turned to Lacroix, a defender who has attracted strong interest from Chelsea, to try to steady a back line already under pressure from the European champions.

As Saliba made his way off, France were left to chase the game. Arsenal, watching from afar, were left to count the cost.