France’s World Cup semi-final nightmare deepened when William Saliba limped off with a back injury moments after Mikel Oyarzabal had given Spain the lead from the penalty spot. The Arsenal defender went down in the 29th minute, pointing to his back and saying “my back is gone”, and was replaced by Crystal Palace’s Maxence Lacroix.
Spain had taken the lead seven minutes earlier when Lucas Digne clumsily fouled Lamine Yamal in the box. Oyarzabal stepped up and calmly converted despite Mike Maignan going the right way. It was the first time France had fallen behind at this World Cup, and they never recovered. Pedro Porro added a second in the second half to end Les Bleus’ tournament.
“William Saliba injured his back as Spain beat France 2-0 to reach the World Cup final.”
Saliba’s injury could have consequences beyond the semi-final. The 25-year-old has a history of back problems, having missed Arsenal’s last 15 games of the 2022-23 season with the same issue. It was reported ahead of the World Cup that he was considering surgery. His latest setback may force the Gunners into the transfer market, with West Ham’s Dinos Mavropanos – sold by Arsenal for up to £5m in 2022 – recently linked.
Arsenal co-chairman Josh Kroenke, after winning the Premier League title, said: “When you win something, the sun’s still going to come up the next day. You’ve got to get back to work … we’re going to look to strengthen because we know teams around us are going to get better.”
Spain, the European champions, now await Sunday’s final against either England or Argentina, who meet in the other semi-final. For France, the focus shifts to the third-place play-off and Saliba’s tests.
