Didier Deschamps lifts lid on William Saliba's injury hell with Arsenal star facing months out

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Didier Deschamps has revealed William Saliba has been playing in agony since March. And the Arsenal defender now faces up to FIVE MONTHS on the sidelines after the pain from a back injury became “unbearable” during the World Cup.

Saliba limped out of France’s semi final defeat to Spain and it is a huge injury blow to Arsenal as the Premier League champions look to defend their title. The France centre half could face surgery on a fracture in his back which is a similar injury that he suffered at the back end of the 2022/23 season.

France boss Deschamps, talking ahead of their third place play-off with England, said: “William Saliba got injured and it’s problematic.

“He went through some examinations. The injury did not worsen. He faced that injury since March. He had some pain and unfortunately the pain was not bearable.”

Arsenal have yet to reveal any time scale of recovery but French media believe it is a long lay-off and the worry is that it is similar to the issue he had before.

Saliba did admit earlier in the tournament that he had been suffering from some “niggles” but the severity of the injury has only become clear after the Spain game when Deschamps said the pain was too much for him to carry on.

Arsenal’s players have gone into this World Cup with major issues after an exhausting season with Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka both bringing in long-term injury concerns.

Piero Hincapie also suffered muscle issues before Ecuador’s campaign which reflects just how tough Arsenal’s season was and also how hard they were pushed by Mikel Arteta to get their first title in 22 years over the line.

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Meanwhile, Deschamps will take charge of his last game against England after a glorious 15 year reign and admitted it will be emotional.

Deschamps added: “In my head I know it’s the last match. I don’t want anybody to cry. I know that the French national team will be missed but I had the privilege for 15 years to wear this jersey and to go through some amazing moments and also some more difficult moments.

“The end is near but life goes on. I am a positive person and I know it will be great too. The French national team is the most beautiful thing that happened to me. It took 25 years in my life, that’s an amazing thing. I have some unforgettable memories. But the most important thing is what lies ahead.”

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