William Saliba forced off with back injury during France’s semi-final defeat to Spain | OneFootball

The back injury that France’s centre-back William Saliba (25) had been carrying since the later stages of the domestic season finally caught up with him as he was forced off during the first half of les Bleus‘ semi-final defeat to Spain.

Arsenal defender Saliba had been playing through the pain in order to help the Gunners to win their first title since 2004 and, while the injury had been kept largely under wraps, once the domestic season was over it became the main concern for France ahead of Deschamps’ squad announcement.

The national team’s staff have largely managed Saliba’s back problem well, resting him in friendlies and against Norway in the final group match and dispensing him from much of France’s training sessions.

Saliba’s performances throughout the tournament alongside Dayot Upamecano had been excellent, despite his showing some signs of discomfort on the poor pitch of the MetLife stadium against Sweden in the round of 32. The Premier League defender’s assured showings were a big reason why France had conceded only two goals (one of them in the Norway match) leading up to the semi-final.

However, with France 1-0 down following Spain’s successful penalty, Saliba kicked the ball away and slowly lowered himself to the ground on the half-hour mark, saying that his back had gone. He was helped off the pitch looking understandably upset and was replaced by Maxence Lacroix. The Crystal Palace defender put in a good performance considering the difficult circumstances of his entry into the match, but could do nothing to prevent les Bleus‘ defeat.

Arsenal fans will anxiously await news of the extent of Saliba’s injury, with the defence of their title beginning a little over a month from now.

GFFN | Jeremy Smith