William Saliba limps out of World Cup semi-final in huge blow to France and potentially Arsenal

William Saliba limped out of France’s World Cup semi-final against Spain with an apparent muscle injury.

The Arsenal defender had been following a modified training programme throughout the World Cup so far, in an attempt to manage his back pain.

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However, the 25-year-old could manage just 30 minutes of Tuesday’s semi-final in a huge blow to France’s World Cup hopes.

The injury raises huge doubts over his participation should France qualify for Sunday’s World Cup final.

It will also concern Arsenal fans amid reports in France the Gunners defender is planning to undergo surgery after the World Cup.

How did Saliba’s injury occur?

The incident occurred with Saliba under no immediate pressure.

The defender went down and signalled to the bench to be replaced with France already 1-0 down to the 2010 world champions.

The Arsenal centre-back slowly walked off the pitch, helped by two members of the team’s medical staff.

Les Bleus’ boss Didier Deschamps turned to Crystal Palace centre-back Maxence Lacroix as his replacement alongside Dayot Upamecano.

Saliba was a key figure for the Gunners last season, helping the club to their first Premier League title in 22 years.

The Paris-born star has been just as crucial for France en route to the World Cup and during the tournament despite nursing a back issue.

He missed the final group stage match against Norway in a bid to preserve his fitness and with France already having booked their place in the last-32.

His back complaint was one that was closely monitored and managed by France’s medical team.

Saliba recently admitted he had been playing with the problem throughout Arsenal’s Champions League tussles and Premier League title run-in.

“I’ve had some minor niggles for several months,” Saliba said during the early stages of the World Cup

“I’ve been gritting my teeth because there was the Champions League and the Premier League.

“But the coaching staff are handling it very well. The World Cup comes around only once every four years, so you’ve got to grit your teeth.

“I’m not at 100 percent, but there are plenty of players who aren’t at 100 per cent either. You can’t make excuses.”