Arsenal are currently challenging Liverpool and Manchester City at the top end of the Premier League, in what will be a tight title race.
The current International break has halted proceedings domestically, and all three clubs will be hoping that none of their key players suffer injuries ahead of the run-in.
Last season, Arsenal lost William Saliba at the most crucial part of the season, and with the centre-back currently with the France squad, Mikel Arteta may be somewhat nervous about a repeat disaster.
Saliba is currently with the France team alongside Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate, who has now opened up on competition for a National Team place, as well as Saliba’s chances of Premier League glory.
Ibrahima Konate makes Arsenal title claim
Speaking to French outlet France Info Sport, Konate admitted that Saliba provides tough competition in the National Team, and that he did not want him to win the league with Arsenal this season.
“A few months ago, I would not have said that I am a manager. There, I’m going to get it to become one. There’s extreme competition in this job, but I’m happy because it’s healthy. Apart from perhaps William Saliba, I do not want him to win the title,” he joked of his France teammate.
“When I see them, I think I have to be better and it allows me to put the bar high and always work. I was lucky enough to start most of the time when I was there, but it’s not an end in itself.”
Who will start for France out of Saliba and Konate?
Saliba and Konate are currently two of Europe’s best centre-backs, and both will be eyeing up a starting spot in the Euros this summer.
Whilst many would argue that Saliba is one of the, if not the best centre-back in European football right now, and is certainly part of one of the best defences under Mikel Arteta and Arsenal, he may find himself on the bench for France.
Didier Deschamps has previously preferred Raphael Varane, Dayot Upamecano and Konate to Saliba, but given the way he has developed since the World Cup last year, Saliba has a strong case that he should even be ahead of Konate in the pecking order for his National Team, who are among the favourites to win the tournament.