Arsenal star William Saliba missed France’s Nations League game against Spain.
The Frenchman played a lot of football for the Gunners in the 2024/25 season, and he had cemented his place in Didier Deschamps’ side as well.
However, an injury Saliba suffered forced France to leave him out of their squad for their games in June.
On Thursday night, Les Bleus took on Spain in the Nations League, and they suffered a 5-4 defeat. Arsenal star Mikel Merino scored for La Roja.
France had their moments in attack, but their makeshift defence let them down.
Fans of Deschamps’ side took to X during and after the game to have their say about the defeat, and all of them made the same point about Saliba.
What France fans are saying about Arsenal star William Saliba after losing to Spain
France were without three of their key defenders against Spain – William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano and Jules Kounde.
That made them really weak at the back, and fans of Les Bleus went on social media and claimed that their side would’ve easily won the game if Saliba was fit enough to play.
One France fan said: “With Saliba, I swear we win this game.”
Another tweeted: “Saliba would’ve had Lamine Yamal in his pocket. I’ve no doubt about my guy.”
“The absence of Saliba in Lenglet’s position killed the match for us,” wrote another.
Another French supporter said: “You’ll see when Saliba, the best defender in the world, comes back.”
“Saliba starts, we win the match. I’m not saying clean sheet, but we would’ve won,” tweeted another.
Photo by Giuseppe Maffia/NurPhoto via Getty ImagesIs William Saliba’s injury serious?
Saliba is one of Arsenal’s most important players.
The Frenchman has been outstanding for the Gunners since he made his debut in 2022, and his partnership at the back with Gabriel Magalhaes is the best in the business.
Saliba missed Arsenal’s final game of the season against Southampton due to a hamstring injury, and that has kept him out of the France squad as well.
But, the injury is not believed to be serious. Mikel Arteta revealed just before the final game that Saliba is only expected to be out for a ‘few weeks’.
That suggests that he will be ready for pre-season in July.