Saliba sidelined for extended period: setback for France in 2026

William Saliba will pay dearly for his involvement in the World Cup semi-final. The French center-back, substituted in the 30th minute against Spain, is suffering from a back injury that will keep him sidelined for an extended period. Arsenal confirmed that the defender will not require surgery, but the Blues will have to manage without their 25-year-old centre-back before the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.