William Saliba pulls out of France squad for September international break due to ankle injury

Arsenal defender William Saliba will not be part of the France squad for the September international break.

The centre-back picked up an ankle injury during Arsenal’s 1-0 defeat to Liverpool in the English Premier League.

Due to the setback, the defender, who is of Cameroonian descent, has pulled out of the France squad.

The 24-year-old, who was among Didier Deschamps’ four centre-back selections alongside Ibrahima Konaté, Dayot Upamecano and Lucas Hernandez, will now miss the start of France’s 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.

Les Bleus face Ukraine in Poland on Friday before hosting Iceland at the Parc des Princes. Inter Milan defender Benjamin Pavard has been called up as Saliba’s replacement.

Meanwhile, Manchester City midfielder Rayan Cherki has also withdrawn, with Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike receiving his first senior call-up as a replacement.

Without the key players, France will still aim for wins against Ukraine and Iceland.