William Saliba suffers injury setback in huge World Cup blow for France | OneFootball

France have suffered a major blow in their World Cup title bid after William Saliba was forced off with a suspected muscle problem.

The influential defender went down untouched on the ball and immediately looked dejected, with it quickly becoming apparent the Arsenal man would not be able to continue.

Stretching out his leg, he was treated by France team doctors before being substituted, though he was able to walk off without help.

Crystal Palace centre-back Maxence Lacroix replaced the 25-year-old for his second appearance this World Cup.

William Saliba suffered a suspected muscular injury against Spain (AP)

“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 has played every minute of this World Cup barring the 4-1 win over Norway in Group I, which saw Didier Deschamps rest numerous top stars with progression already secured.

His forced removal acts as an incredibly untimely setback for Les Bleus, who were trailing as Saliba picked up the injury.

They fell behind in the 22nd minute after Lucas Digne clumsily brought down Lamine Yamal in the area, and while there were questions of whether Yamal handled the ball in the build-up, VAR did not intervene.

Mikel Oyarzabal then converted from the spot to give Spain the lead, drilling into the net to beat Mike Maignan, who dived the right way.

If France are able to turn the match around, they will face a nervy wait to see if Saliba will be fit the World Cup final in New Jersey on 19 July, where one of England or Argentina will be waiting.

Arsenal will also fear Saliba has suffered a long-term injury, whose 2025/26 season was maligned by numerous fitness setbacks which saw him miss a combined 12 matches for club and country.

Arsenal’s season starts with the Community Shield against Manchester City on 16 August before facing newly-promoted Coventry in their Premier League opener five days later.