William Saliba injury timeline confirmed as statement issued on Arsenal defender…

William Saliba’s injury timeline has been confirmed following a statement regarding the Arsenal defender.

Arsenal’s centre-back, William Saliba, has had to pull out of the France squad for the upcoming international friendlies against Brazil and Croatia.

France has released a statement to shed light on the injury situation that has led to William Saliba’s withdrawal from the Les Bleus squad for the forthcoming international friendlies against Brazil and Croatia.

Saliba played the entire match on Sunday as the Gunners were defeated 2-0 by Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley.

Shortly after the match, France announced that Saliba would not be joining the team due to an ankle injury, with Crystal Palace’s Maxence Lacroix stepping in as his replacement.

The French Football Federation confirmed the injury timeline, stating: “William Saliba is unable to participate in the French national team’s training camp, which starts this Monday, March 23. The Arsenal centre-back is experiencing recurring pain in his left ankle, necessitating treatment and a minimum rest period of ten days.”

This suggests that the 24-year-old could be fit to play for Arsenal against Southampton in the FA Cup quarter-final when club football resumes on April 4.

Saliba appeared to be moving without any issues and did not show signs of limping as he departed Wembley on Sunday. The concern is thought to be related to the same ankle issue that caused Saliba to miss recent victories against Brighton and Mansfield Town, following his goal in the 2-1 win over Chelsea.

With France set to travel to the United States on Tuesday for what are essentially two World Cup warm-up matches, it is a significant advantage for Arsenal that Saliba will not be making the trip Stateside.

He is not the only Arsenal player to withdraw from an international squad; Eberechi Eze and Jurrien Timber will also not be participating for England or Holland during this break.

Both players were unable to participate in the Carabao Cup final due to calf and ankle injuries, respectively. Eze has been substituted in the England squad by Harvey Barnes, while Gunners full-back Ben White has also been included in Thomas Tuchel’s Three Lions squad, taking the place of Jarrell Quansah.

This marks the first occasion White has been part of an international squad since the 2022 World Cup, during which he was sent home for “personal reasons.”

In the meantime, Noni Madueke is still anticipated to play for England in upcoming friendlies against Uruguay and Japan, despite dealing with a wrist injury he incurred during training last Friday.

Madueke was seen wearing a cast at Wembley on Sunday and departed with noticeable strapping on his arm.