William Saliba pulls out of France squad with toe injury

William Saliba has become the cornerstone of Arsenal team

William Saliba, a defender for Arsenal, withdrew from the France team for the October international break owing to a toe ailment.

The North London club defeated Man City 1-0 at the Emirates on Sunday evening to climb joint-top of the Premier League, and the 22-year-old was among the best players for the Gunners.

Saliba completed the entire game but was cut from Didier Deschamps' France squad right after the conclusion of play in preparation for the European qualifier against the Netherlands and the friendly contest against Scotland.

"William Saliba is not able to participate in the gathering of the French team,’ the statement said.

‘The Arsenal defender suffers from pain in his right big toe. He will remain available to his club to treat this chronic injury.

‘After speaking with Dr. Franck Le Gall, the French team doctor, Didier Deschamps noted William Saliba’s withdrawal and decided to replace him with Jean-Clair Todibo.

‘The latter is expected at Clairefontaine on Monday at noon, like all the selected players.’

The French Football Association declared that Nice star Jean-Clair Todibo will replace the injured former Marseille star and referred to his condition as a "chronic injury."

Saliba, along with teammate Gabriel Magalhaes, dominated as Mikel Arteta's club defeated City for the first time in the league since 2015.

Bukayo Saka, who is expected to withdraw from Gareth Southgate's team after struggling to recuperate from an injury he sustained in the first half of Tuesday's Champions League match against Lens, will join Saliba in skipping the upcoming international calendar.