Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Arsenal, William Saliba, Thierry Henry, Olympics, France, Premier League, Mikel Arteta
Ryan Smart
Topics: Arsenal, William Saliba, Thierry Henry, Olympics, France, Premier League, Mikel Arteta
Thierry Henry could indirectly cause William Saliba to miss the start of the 2024/25 season with Arsenal.
The France defender has once again been one of Arsenal's key players this season, continuing his rock-solid centre-back partnership alongside Gabriel Magalhaes.
The table-topping Gunners have conceded fewer goals (24) than any other team in the Premier League in this campaign, with Saliba playing a significant role in that statistic.
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His season-ending injury suffered in February last year was one reason why Mikel Arteta's side saw their title challenge falter in the closing weeks.
And while Arsenal will hope to keep him fully fit and available for the remainder of this term, they may have to do without him at the beginning of next season.
That's where Henry comes in, with the Gunners legend currently managing France's under-21 side.
In that role, he has also has responsibility for taking charge of this summer's Olympics team, with the event taking place in the French capital of Paris.
It has been reported that Henry is interested in naming Saliba in his squad for the football tournament, which takes place from July 26 to August 9.
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Squad selection rules for the Olympics are different to that of other competitive tournaments, as players are primarily aged under the age of 23 - hence Henry's involvement as France U21 boss.
Three overage players can be named in each squad, with Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann and Olivier Giroud seen as the likeliest trio to be named among the France contingent.
While Saliba will be overage by the time the tournament kicks off - he turns 23 on March 24 - eligibility timeframes means he is able to play as an under-23 player in Paris.
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There are, however, a number of complications involved that could thwart the Arsenal star's Olympic dream.
The first of those is this summer's Euro 2024 tournament, which takes place in Germany from June 14 to July 14. If France go all the way to the final, there will be only 12 days of rest between the conclusion of that tournament and the beginning of the spectacle in Paris. Should Les Bleus fail to reach the final, of course, the situation is slightly different.
The second of those potential complications is Arsenal. According to the Daily Mirror, the Gunners have the power to refuse Henry and France's request to include Saliba in their Olympics squad - as the tournament is not officially recognised by FIFA.
It is unclear as to whether the Gunners would do that, although the first game of the Premier League season is scheduled for August 17 - just eight days after the Olympics tournament ends.
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As a result, Saliba would have to miss the beginning of the 2024/25 campaign if he was to take part in what could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity in Paris this summer.