Arsenal defender suffers ankle injury after Carabao Cup final

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Arsenal have been dealt a significant blow after William Saliba was forced to withdraw from the France squad due to an ankle injury sustained during Sunday’s Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester City.

The 23-year-old centre-back played the full 90 minutes at Wembley as the Gunners lost 2-1 to Pep Guardiola’s side, extending their trophy drought. However, Saliba has now been ruled out of France’s upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Colombia with what officials describe as “recurring pain in his left ankle.”

Ten-day minimum layoff confirmed

According to the French Football Federation, Saliba requires “treatment and a minimum rest period of ten days” to recover from the injury. The defender was scheduled to join Didier Deschamps’ squad for their training camp beginning Monday, but will now miss the international window entirely.

Crystal Palace’s Maxence Lacroix has been called up as Saliba’s replacement and will hope to earn his first senior France cap. The 25-year-old defender will join the squad at CNF Clairefontaine before flying to the United States for matches against Brazil on March 26 and Colombia on March 29.

Concerning timing for Arsenal

The injury comes at a crucial time for Arsenal, who currently sit second in the Premier League table behind Liverpool. With the title race intensifying, losing one of their most reliable defenders represents a serious setback for Mikel Arteta’s side.

Saliba has been instrumental in Arsenal’s defensive solidity this season, forming a formidable partnership with Gabriel Magalhaes at the heart of the backline. His absence could force Arteta to shuffle his defensive options, with Rob Holding, Jakub Kiwior, and Takehiro Tomiyasu among the potential replacements.

The news adds to Arsenal’s injury concerns, with the club already monitoring several players during the international break. The Gunners will be hoping the ten-day timeline proves accurate and that Saliba can return quickly to action.

Arsenal’s next fixture following the international break will be crucial in their title aspirations, making Saliba’s potential return all the more important for Arteta’s championship hopes.