Champions League Final Ends in Injury Concern
The French national team has suffered a major blow prior to the FIFA World Cup with the injury of William Saliba.
Saliba enjoyed a career-best season with Arsenal, helping the club secure the Premier League trophy after 22 years, but the Champions League final match against Paris Saint-Germain has cast doubt on his participation in the World Cup.
Saliba's Availability in Serious Doubt
According to Foot Mercato, the French center back was carrying an injury while playing in the Champions League final. The report states that Saliba's existing injury worsened against Paris Saint-Germain, and the defender is expected to spend several weeks on the sidelines for his recovery.
As a result, the right-sided center back could miss could miss part or all of the World Cup action in North America. This is a big blow for the French team, managed by Didier Deschamps.
France Face Major Defensive Setback
Saliba is the preferred right center-back for Deschamps in the French team, and William Saliba is considered one of the best center-backs in the world right now after a dominant season with Arsenal in England. Therefore, the potential absence of the defender would be a major setback for France.
Deschamps Has Depth at Centre-Back
However, France boasts strong depth in that department with Ibrahim Konaté, Lacroix, Lucas Hernandez, and Upamecano on the list, with Leny Yoro among those pushing for a place in the squad in case Saliba is ruled out of the World Cup.
The player's devastating night in Budapest was made even worse by the injury setback. Now, William Saliba is facing a race against time to be a part of the World Cup starting XI.