On Tuesday, the French Prime Minister decided to cancel the French football season due to public health concerns. Hence, Arsenal loanee William Saliba played his last game for Saint-Etienne on March 8 (against Bordeaux) without knowing it.
Does it mean that he can feature for the Gunners when (if) the Premier League season resumes?
FACTS
1. The defender's loan agreement with Saint-Etienne expires on June 30.
2. Saliba is registered with Arsenal for the Premier League (here is why).
3. Obviously, William is also included in Saint-Etienne's squad list for the Ligue 1 season.
4. As things stand, the 19-year-old can't return to the Emirates and play until June 30 as he has a contract with Saint-Etienne.
SUGGESTIONS
Below are three opinions regarding Saliba's eligibility to play for Arsenal this season.
1. He may return to Arsenal as soon as the Gunners recall him and, given that he is included in the squad list, he is eligible to play in the Premier League this season.
This is what many fans suggested upon hearing the news of the cancellation of the French season.
2. The Gunners may ask the Ligue 1 side to cut short the player's loan. If they agree, William can come back to Arsenal and play as he'd be no longer tied to Saint-Etienne.
3. Reliable journalist Charles Watts says that the Gunners believe that even if Saliba returns to Arsenal, he'll be unable to feature until June 30 because he is registered at Saint-Etienne's Ligue 1 squad until that date.
As you can see, there is no clarity at the moment as there are simply no clear regulations regarding what clubs and players should do after the pandemic.
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