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France defender William Saliba, who was forced off during the 2-0 World Cup semi-final loss to Spain, played the entire tournament with a back fracture, according to Radio Monte Carlo.
This injury wasn't new; the Arsenal defender sustained it in a Premier League match two months prior. A decision was made then to manage it through the World Cup, where he played with pain-killing injections and received special care from the team's medical staff. However, Saliba's back ultimately gave out, leading to his substitution in the 30th minute against Spain. The defender did not participate in all of the French squad's training sessions.
The duration of his absence from the pitch remains unknown, following medical examinations on Wednesday. A decision on whether the player requires surgery or conservative treatment is expected in the coming days.
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