Arsenal defender William Saliba withdraws from France squad with ‘chronic’ toe injury

Saliba completed the full 90 minutes against City on Sunday (Picture: Getty)

Arsenal defender William Saliba has withdrawn from the France squad after suffering a toe injury.

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The 22-year-old turned in an excellent display as Arsenal beat Manchester City 1-0 at the Emirates on Sunday to move joint top of the Premier League alongside Tottenham.

Shortly after full-time, the French Football Federation confirmed the centre-half has been replaced in Didier Deschamps’ squad by Nice star Jean-Clair Todibo ahead of the European qualifier against Netherlands and friendly with Scotland.

A statement described the problem as a ‘chronic injury’ with Saliba sent to remain in north London over the international break.

 ‘William Saliba is not able to participate in the gathering of the French team which begins this Monday, October 9 and which will see the Blues face the Netherlands in Amsterdam, Friday 13 in the part of qualifying for Euro 2024, then Scotland, on Tuesday November 17, in a friendly, at the Décathlon Arena – Pierre-Mauroy stadium in Lille Métropole.

‘The Arsenal defender suffers from pain in his right big toe. He will remain available to his club to treat this chronic injury.

‘After speaking with Dr. Franck Le Gall, the French team doctor, Didier Deschamps noted William Saliba’s withdrawal and decided to replace him with Jean-Clair Todibo.

Martinelli scored Arsenal’s winning goal on Sunday (Picture: Getty)

‘The latter is expected at Clairefontaine on Monday at noon, like all the selected players.’

Saliba starred alongside teammate Gabriel Magalhaes in the victory over the Treble winners, keeping Erling Haaland quiet as Arsenal secured their first win over City since 2015.

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He becomes the second Arsenal player to pull out upcoming international duty with Bukayo Saka set to miss England’s double header against Australia and Italy.

The winger, who was not involved on Sunday against City, limped off in the first-half of the Champions League clash against Lens on Tuesday.

Speaking in post-match press conference, Arteta was asked if Saka will join up with the England squad after being named in Gareth Southgate’s squad midweek, telling reporters: ‘No, he couldn’t make it.

‘He hasn’t had a single training session so he will be out. He’s not available to play football at the moment.’

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