Arsenal defender William Saliba may miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup after aggravating an existing injury during Saturday’s Champions League final loss to Paris Saint-Germain.
Saliba, 25, played the entire 120 minutes of the thrilling Budapest final as Mikel Arteta’s side lost to PSG on penalties following a 1-1 draw.
Gabriel Magalhaes smashed the last penalty kick over the crossbar as the Gunners missed another attempt to win Europe’s biggest club competition for the first time.
Saliba Played With Injury In PSG Defeat
According to Foot Mercato as reported by Football London, Saliba was playing with a slight injury that got more serious during the loss against PSG at the Puskas Arena.
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According to the report, Saliba’s injury may potentially jeopardise his chances of playing in the World Cup in North America, which is scheduled to begin on Thursday, June 11.
The 25-year-old was one of Arsenal’s defensive mainstays, having featured in 50 matches as the Gunners won the Premier League title for the first time in 22 years, while also reaching the Carabao Cup and the Champions League finals.
Saliba has also made a name for himself as France’s top choice centre back alongside Bayern Munich defender, Dayot Upamecano.
However, with France’s opening match against Senegal on Tuesday, June 16, manager Didier Deschamps may need to reconstitute his central defensive duo, at least for the beginning of the World Cup.
By Habeeb Kuranga
