William Saliba is still not playing for Arsenal this season, slowly returning to sports after a back injury.
“Arsenal” defender William Saliba has been excluded from the squad of the French national team for the Nations League matches against Italy and Turkey.
Although the centre-back was named on the bench for Wednesday’s 2-1 Champions League win over Slavia Prague, he is yet to score in a competitive match for the Gunners so far this season.
Saliba played 45 minutes in a behind-closed-doors match last week after a three-and-a-half-month layoff as he continues to carefully regain his fitness.
Arsenal’s medical team discussed the situation in detail with the French Football Federation and now Zinedine Zidane has decided that Saliba will remain at the club during the break.
While Mikel Arteta said on Friday the 25-year-old needed minutes, the decision ensures Arsenal remain in control of Saliba’s conditioning and they will reintegrate him on their own terms, at their own pace.
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There would likely be an uproar if Saliba had gone with France and suffered a setback or problem before playing for the Gunners during that time.
“We’ve been in very close contact,” Arteta said on Friday before announcing his France squad. [with France]I think they will announce tonight at 5pm so they have all the information.
“Now we are talking about them, Zinedin [Zidane] to call in this case. Whatever it is, we’ll take it. More is between them, as William also needs minutes.
“I know how much he loves being with the national team, it’s a new manager and it’s really exciting, so whatever he decides is good for us.”
France are without Chelsea centre-back Maxence Lacroix, who was injured in the recent Carabao Cup fourth round loss to Liverpool.
“Real Madrid” player Ibrahima Konate returned to the French national team after losing his starting place in the World Cup. Dayot Upamecano was also ruled out against Italy and Manchester United’s Leni Yoro was called up to provide cover.
Saliba missed Zidane’s first international camp due to an injury picked up in the World Cup semi-final loss to Spain in Dallas.
He could get minutes when Arsenal host Hull City in the Premier League on Saturday, but he is likely to be properly reintegrated after the international break.
Ezri Konsa is fit to face the Tigers after suffering a knee injury in midweek, while Cristhian Mosquera is looking for an opportunity after his early-season run stopped – he started in wins over Coventry City and Aston Villa.