William Saliba could miss the start of the season as the Arsenal star is set for extra medical tests.
The defender has been following an alternative training plan throughout the World Cup as he tried to manage his back pain.
He was forced off injured in France’s 2-0 loss to Spain after lasting just 25 minutes.
Saliba was heard saying, “my back is gone,” as he went down, raising concerns that the Frenchman could be out for four to five months.
According to L’Equipe, Saliba will undergo further examinations on his back, with surgery being considered and is the most likely option.
The defender has been a key player throughout France’s World Cup run, with his absence notable after he was replaced by Crystal Palace’s Maxence Lacroix.
France’s manager, Didier Deschamps, tried to manage Saliba’s fitness during the tournament, resting him against Norway after already qualifying, and he is being closely monitored by France’s medical team.
Saliba admitted that he has been struggling with minor injury issues throughout the competition.
William Saliba could miss the start of the season
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Speaking during the early stages of the World Cup, the Frenchman said: “I’ve had some minor niggles for several months.
“I’ve been gritting my teeth because there was the Champions League and the Premier League.
“But the coaching staff are handling it very well. The World Cup comes around only once every four years, so you’ve got to grit your teeth.
“I’m not at 100 per cent, but there are plenty of players who aren’t at 100 per cent either. You can’t make excuses.”
Saliba injured his back against Spain in the World Cup semi-final
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Saliba will be absent for France’s third-place play-off against England on Saturday.
The Three Lions lost yesterday evening in a devastating 2-1 defeat to Argentina, who will play Spain in the final.
England took the lead in the contest thanks to Anthony Gordon finishing from close range after a brilliant ball in by Morgan Rogers.
From there, the Three Lions went into their shell, inviting Argentinian pressure.
Saliba will not feature in France’s third-place play-off against England
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Enzo Fernandez got Argentina’s first of the game with a brilliant long-range strike past Jordan Pickford.
From there, the pressure was too much for England to handle, as a second Argentina goal felt inevitable.
Lautaro Martinez dealt the killer blow with a close-range header, meaning England will play in the third-place play-off.
