Arsenal dealt another fitness blow as second star ruled out of international duty through injury
- William Saliba has withdrawn from the France squad after picking up an injury
- Centre-back played 90 minutes in victory over Man City
- Mikel Arteta also believes Bukayo Saka will miss the break
By Tom Gott
The French Football Federation (FFF) have confirmed that William Saliba has withdrawn from international duty after picking up a toe injury.
The Arsenal centre-back played 90 minutes in his side's 1-0 win over Manchester City on Sunday, dealing well with Erling Haaland as the Gunners secured an enormous victory.
The win may have come at a cost, however, as the FFF have now confirmed that Saliba will not report for international duty and will instead remain with Arsenal for treatment.
"William Saliba is not able to participate in the gathering of the French team which begins on Monday 9 October and which will see the Blues face the Netherlands in Amsterdam on Friday 13 in the part of qualifying for Euro 2024, then Scotland on Tuesday 17 October in a friendly, at the Decathlon Arena - Pierre-Mauroy stadium in Lille Metropole," a statement read.
"The Arsenal defender suffers from pain in his right big toe. He will remain available to his club to treat this chronic injury."
News of Saliba's unavailability comes shortly after Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta claimed that winger Bukayo Saka would also be forced to withdraw from the England squad.
Saka is battling a muscle injury which ultimately saw him left out of the City game, after which Arteta was adamant that the 22-year-old is not ready to play competitive football.
The English FA, however, are still expecting Saka to report for duty on Monday, where they plan to conduct their own checks on his condition.
After the international break, Arsenal will travel across London for a battle with fierce rivals Chelsea, with games against Sevilla and Sheffield United also on the cards before the end of October.
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