It's a tough setback for the French team. According to Foot Mercato, William Saliba is at risk of missing the 2026 World Cup after aggravating a pre-existing injury in the Champions League final, played in Budapest, against PSG. With just over two weeks to go before the start of the World Cup, Didier Deschamps has reportedly received the worst possible news about one of his most used defenders.
The 25-year-old defender, playing for Arsenal — recently crowned champion of England — would have played conditioned, trying to help Mikel Arteta's team until the end, in a match that ended in victory for Luis Enrique's Parisians. This effort may, however, have called into question the Gallic international's presence in the finals in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
With 31 caps for Bleus, Saliba continues to suffer from pain and the information reaching the FFF (French Football Federation) generates real concern in this final stretch of preparation. Given this scenario, Deschamps may be forced to reevaluate plans for the defense axis.
There is no shortage of alternatives for France, who could look to names like Ibrahima Konaté, Maxence Lacroix, Lucas Hernandez or even Jules Koundé to fill the vacancy if Saliba does not recover in time.