France and Arsenal star William Saliba was forced off injured during the World Cup semi-final with the centre back appearing to confirm a back problem.
Saliba had been running with the ball at his feet into his own half, before pulling up and dropping to the pitch under no pressure.
The 25-year-old then kicked the ball out of play before shaking his head to fellow centre back Dayot Upamecano.
French football journalist Julien Laurens reported that Saliba had said ‘My back is gone, my back is gone.’
Saliba was unable to continue with Maxence Lacroix coming on as a substitute.
The injury will cause concern for France over the possibility that Saliba’s tournament has come to a premature end.
William Saliba was forced off for France in their World Cup semi-final against Spain
The France and Arsenal star was reportedly seen saying ‘my back is gone’ to team-mates
Saliba’s injury will also be a worry for Arsenal as the Gunners prepare for the defence of their Premier League title.
Mikel Arteta’s side are due to face Man City in the Community Shield on August 16, before beginning their Premier League campaign on August 21 against newly promoted Coventry.
Saliba had confirmed during the World Cup group stage that he was managing a back problem during the tournament.
‘I’ve had some minor niggles for several months,’ Saliba said.
‘I’ve been gritting my teeth because there was the Champions League and the Premier League. But the coaching staff are handling it very well.
‘The World Cup comes around only once every four years, so you’ve got to grit your teeth.
Saliba was forced off with France trailing 1-0 with concerns growing over his fitness
‘I’m not at 100 per cent, but there are plenty of players who aren’t at 100 per cent either. You can’t make excuses.’
Saliba played 50 times in all competitions last season for Arsenal as the Gunners claimed the Premier League title and finished as Champions League and Carabao Cup runners-up.
He started France’s opening two group stage matches at the World Cup, but was rested for their third after they qualified for the knock-out stages.
Saliba had played in each of France’s knock-out matches.
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