France reportedly loses key defender William Saliba on eve of World Cup
France reportedly loses key defender William Saliba on eve of World Cup
Seth Vertelney, USA TODAYMon, June 1, 2026 at 3:16 PM UTC
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France defender William Saliba could miss the World Cup with a back injury, per multiple reports on Monday, June 1.
According to Foot Mercato, the center back was already carrying the injury into Arsenal's Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain on Saturday, May 30.
Saliba played the full 120 minutes in the match, which Arsenal lost on penalties. The defender reportedly aggravated the injury during the game, putting his World Cup spot in jeopardy.
ESPN called the 25-year-old "very doubtful" for the World Cup, with scans set for Monday, June 1.
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Les Bleus are among the favorites to win the title this summer, having reached back-to-back finals.
Though Didier Deschamps can call on a hugely talented roster, losing a player many consider to be among the world's best defenders is still a major blow.
France has been drawn into Group I, where it will face Senegal, Iraq and Norway.
Saliba was key to Arsenal's Premier League title-winning season, playing in 50 of the Gunners' 63 games in all competitions.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: William Saliba injury news: France defender could miss World Cup
Source: “AOL Sports”
