Saliba limps off with suspected muscle injury in World Cup semi-final blow for France and Arsenal

William Saliba was forced off with a suspected muscle injury during France’s World Cup semi-final against Spain, dealing a potentially devastating blow to Les Bleus’ title hopes and raising immediate concerns about the Arsenal defender’s availability for the final.

The 25-year-old went down untouched on the ball and was treated by France’s medical staff before being replaced by Crystal Palace centre-back Maxence Lacroix — his second appearance at this tournament. Saliba was able to walk off the pitch unaided, though his distress was evident.

“That may be the end to William Saliba’s World Cup,” said former England forward Chris Sutton on BBC Radio 5 Live. “He wasn’t under great pressure. He turned around and sat on the deck.”

Saliba had been one of France’s most reliable performers throughout the tournament, playing every minute barring the 4-1 group-stage win over Norway, when Didier Deschamps rested key players with qualification already secured.

The injury came at a particularly damaging moment. France were already trailing when Saliba pulled up, having fallen behind in the 22nd minute after Lucas Digne clumsily brought down Lamine Yamal in the penalty area. VAR reviewed the incident but did not intervene despite questions over whether Yamal had handled the ball in the build-up. Mikel Oyarzabal stepped up and drilled the spot-kick past Mike Maignan, who dived the right way but could not keep it out.

Should France recover to reach the final in New Jersey on 19 July, they face an anxious wait over Saliba’s fitness. Either England or Argentina will be waiting in that match.

Arsenal will be watching developments closely. Saliba’s 2025/26 season was already disrupted by a series of fitness setbacks that caused him to miss a combined 12 matches for club and country. The Gunners open their new campaign with the Community Shield against Manchester City on 16 August, followed by their Premier League opener against newly-promoted Coventry five days later.