Arsenal defender William Saliba has withdrawn from the France squad for this month’s friendlies against Brazil and Colombia.
Saliba played the entire contest as Arsenal lost 2-0 to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup on Sunday but will not feature for France during their upcoming schedule.
A statement from The French Football Federation said Saliba is suffering from “recurring pain his his left ankle”. It added that the issue would require “a minimum rest period of 10 days”.
Arsenal return to action after the international break against Southampton in the FA Cup quarter-finals on April 4th.
Crystal Palace centre-back Maxence Lacroix has been called up as a replacement. It’s a maiden inclusion for the 25-year-old, who had featured regularly for Les Bleus at youth level.
Saliba is the latest Arsenal player to withdraw from international duty after Eberechi Eze pulled out of the England squad.
The midfielder missed Sunday’s cup final defeat and has now withdrawn from international duty. However, Arsenal teammate Ben White has been called up late, his first England inclusion since 2022.
Read – Rice rallies Arsenal for run-in after Carabao Cup final defeat
See more – Arteta refutes criticism of Arsenal mentality after Wembley loss
