In the semi-final match held in the early morning of July 15 (Vietnam time), Saliba only played until the 30th minute before having to give way to Maxence Lacroix due to injury.
The Arsenal center-back suddenly fell to the ground in the 29th minute while retreating to the defensive area. There was no contact with the Spanish player in this situation, but Saliba hugged his back and appeared very painful, forcing the French national team coaching staff to make a forced substitution.
According to international media, while leaving the field, Saliba was said to have said: "My back is broken", indicating that the injury likely originated from the back area.
Saliba's early departure caused many difficulties for the French national team's defense under pressure from Spain. In the end, the blue team lost 0-2 and missed the opportunity to win a ticket to the 2026 World Cup final.
Up to now, the French Football Federation has not yet announced the medical examination results as well as the severity of the injury that the center-back born in 2001 suffered.
This development also makes Arsenal worried as the 2026-2027 season is approaching. If Saliba's back injury is serious, coach Mikel Arteta may have to adjust his personnel plan before the new season.
