France’s World Cup semi-final against Spain has gone from bad to worse.
Two-time world champions France fell behind to Spain midway through the first half of Tuesday’s World Cup semi-final in Dallas after Lucas Digne conceded a penalty.
Mikel Oyarzabal handed La Roja the upper hand from the spot in the 22nd minute before Didier Deschamps’ side suffered another setback after the hydration break.
William Saliba suffers World Cup semi-final blow
Les Bleus were forced into an early change as William Saliba had to be withdrawn on the half-hour mark with Crystal Palace’s Maxence Lacroix replacing him.
The Arsenal defender had been among his country’s best performers as they aim to reach a third successive World Cup final in this summer’s 48-team tournament.
He was integral in France joining Spain as the only nations not to fall behind at any stage of their respective journeys in this year’s competition prior to Tuesday night.
But Saliba’s World Cup involvement was brought to a premature end as he slumped on the turf with no one near him and began to signal a back injury to the bench.
The 25-year-old has endured back issues throughout the tournament with France reportedly modifying his training schedule in between games as a consequence.
Despite the problem, Saliba was a near ever-present for his country and was able to complete 90 minutes in five of their opening six matches at the tournament.
He also featured 50 times in all competitions last season as Arsenal ended a 22-year wait to win the Premier League and reached the Champions League final.
Fans of Mikel Arteta‘s side will be hoping Saliba’s setback does not keep him out of France’s potential World Cup final involvement as well as their upcoming campaign.
The English champions are set to face Manchester City in the Community Shield on 16 August before beginning their title defence against Coventry City on 21 August.