William Saliba Misses France Pre-World Cup Training Sessions

William Saliba missed both of France's pre-World Cup training sessions in Boston after arriving for the tournament. Didier Deschamps' squad trained on Thursday and Friday, but Saliba did not take part. Saliba was seen doing laps alongside Adrien Rabiot but did not join the group session with the rest of the squad. The defender remains fit enough for individual work, and France are managing his injury cautiously. Recent reports confirm Saliba has been struggling with a back injury in recent weeks. He is not expected to miss the World Cup, though careful management may be required and an operation could be needed after the tournament. Arsenal are aware the operation could cause him to miss the start of the 2026/27 Premier League campaign. Saliba missed around three months of football in the 2022/23 season with a back problem, his longest absence since joining Arsenal. He made 50 appearances as Arsenal won the Premier League and reached the finals of the Champions League and League Cup this season. The Gunners have often encountered difficulties without him, leaving fans concerned about his World Cup involvement and the outcome of a potential post-season operation.