Man Utd blow might have guaranteed Arsenal star opportunity of a lifetime

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Raphael Varane left the pitch in tears this weekend after the defender picked up a hamstring injury in Manchester United’s 1-1 draw against Premier League rivals Chelsea.

The fixture was an end-to-end encounter that was ultimately overshadowed by Varane’s injury, with the likes of L’Equipe reporting that the France international could now be out for the 2022 FIFA World Cup this November in Qatar in what is a cruel blow for the reigning world champions.

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Whilst for many the injury will be major sour note given how gracious and elegant Varane is to watch on his day, one player who could suddenly be handed the opportunity of a lifetime is one Arsenal defender William Saliba, who could not be recruited as a replacement for Didier Deschamps’ starting XI.

Varane injury could see Saliba now start for France

Saliba’s form for Arsenal this season has been nothing short of exemplary, with the 21-year-old changing the Gunners’ backline in such a way that very few supporters would have predicted in the summer when the defender returned from his third loan spell in France.

However, the centre-back has been a revelation, with Saliba starting every Premier League match this season and winning the hearts of Arsenal supporters everywhere. And now, for Les Bleus, the youngster could be in line to start France’s World Cup opener against Australia.

Although Deschamps has numerous centre-backs to pick from to replace Varane, Saliba’s recent involvements with the France senior team seem to indicate that the defender will likely be a mainstay for the two-time World Cup champions in the years to come.

Indeed, the £27m Arsenal man has more than earned his chance to start for France this season, and with injuries impacting the likes of Ibrahima Konate and Jules Kounde, Saliba could be a shoo-in to start for the reigning world champions this November.