William Saliba has withdrawn from the France squad ahead of the upcoming international break due to a toe injury.
The centre-back was superb in Arsenal’s win over Manchester City, marking Erling Haaland out of the game as the Gunners picked up a 1-0 victory to make a major statement in the early stages of the title race.
It was announced shortly after the match that Saliba will not join up with the French squad as planned, with Jean-Clair Todibo called up in his place.
Saliba was expected to be involved as France prepare to face the Netherlands on Friday night in a Euro 2024 qualifier, before they host Scotland in a friendly four days later.
The 22-year-old is the second Arsenal player to pull out of international duty, after Mikel Arteta confirmed Bukayo Saka will miss England’s matches against Australia and Italy.
Arteta will hope to have both Saka and Saliba back when club football resumes in a fortnight and Arsenal face two crucial matches away from home.
The Gunners travel to face Chelsea in the Premier League, with Mauricio Pochettino’s side starting to show signs of finding form, before Arsenal take on Sevilla in Spain, looking to get their Champions League campaign back on track after defeat to Lens.
