Arsenal vs Man City: Saliba needed painkiller injection to stop Haaland
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Saliba tackling Haaland in Arsenal vs Manchester City || Image credit: Imago

Arsenal vs Man City: Saliba needed painkiller injection to stop Haaland

Faruq Ibrahim 17:47 - 09.10.2023

Arsenal's William Saliba is to have been nursing an injury in the triumph over Manchester City.

Arsenal defender William Saliba has withdrawn from the French squad called up for the coming international break due to injury, despite partaking in the victory against Manchester City over the weekend. 

The 21-year-old centre-back was on Didier Deschamps's list for the Les Bleus Euro 2024 qualifier clash against the Netherlands and the friendly game against Scotland; however, he has now been replaced by Nice defender Jean Clair Todibo. 

Saliba on painkillers against Manchester City 

The news of Saliba's injury came as a surprise, given his incredible performance in the Gunners' 1-0 victory against Premier League Champions Manchester City 

The France international was particularly integral, as he kept City's ace Erling Haaland for the duration of the game and has and continues to receive plaudits for his performance against the Norwegian.

Saliba came out on top in his match up against Haaland || Image credit: Imago
Saliba came out on top in his match up against Haaland || Image credit: Imago
William Saliba in action for France
William Saliba in action for France

However, according to GFFN, Saliba felt discomfort even before the clash against Pep Guardiola's team and needed to be injected with painkillers to partake in the match. 

Saliba's importance to Arsenal is such that his absence coincided with a poor run of results that saw them fall from the summit and eventually dial to win the league, despite leading the pack for a chunk of the campaign.