Arsenal in potential blow as star man pulls out of France squad with 'chronic' injury

The 22-year-old was a standout player in Sunday's 1-0 win over Premier League champions Manchester City at the Emirates.

Saliba reduced the top-flight's leading scorer Erling Haaland to just 23 touches during the gritty encounter between the two title challengers.

But unfortunately for the centre-back - and the Arsenal fans - he has aggravated a long-standing toe injury.

He has subsequently withdrawn from Les Bleus' upcoming matches against the Netherlands and Scotland, with Nice's Jean-Clair Todibo coming in to replace him.

It has been said that Saliba will remain in north London where club doctors at Arsenal's London Colney training ground will assess him.

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A France national team statement read: "William Saliba is not able to participate in the gathering of the French team.

"The Arsenal defender suffers from pain in his right big toe. He will remain available to his club to treat this chronic injury.

"After speaking with Dr. Franck Le Gall, the French team doctor, Didier Deschamps noted William Saliba's withdrawal and decided to replace him with Jean-Clair Todibo.

"The latter is expected at Clairefontaine on Monday at noon, like all the selected players."

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The former Marseille loan star has been ever-present for Arsenal this term, playing every minute of their eight league matches.

Arsenal supporters will be desperate for Saliba to remain available following the international break with the club to face London rivals Chelsea at Stamford Bridge next.

Mikel Arteta knows how important the youngster is to his side, with the defender missing the final 11 Premier League games last season with a back problem.

During that run, the Gunners lost three times and conceded 15 goals as they were pipped to the title by City.

And Saliba himself recently stated that he believes Arsenal would have won their first league championship since 2004 had he stayed fit.

Like Saliba, Bukayo Saka will also be staying at London Colney to continue his recovery from a hamstring injury.