William Saliba to play through back pain at World Cup

Arsenal centre‑back William Saliba, 25, confirmed he will line up for France at the FIFA World Cup despite a lingering back problem that has kept him from full fitness. He missed the first two training sessions in Boston but started the opening match against Senegal.

Saliba said the discomfort has been present for several months, adding, “I have had small niggles for several months. I gritted my teeth. There was the Premier League and the Champions League.” He noted that the staff are managing the issue and hopes it will continue.

France coach Didier Deschamps and the national team’s medical staff have downplayed the severity, and L’Équipe reported a prospect of Saliba undergoing surgery after the tournament. The French side therefore expects him to remain available throughout the competition.

After arriving in Boston, Saliba missed two training sessions, fueling concerns about his World Cup participation. He later explained, “I won’t say what it prevents me from doing because that could then inform our opponents. But you can’t look for excuses. The staff are managing it well. I hope that will continue.”

The defender emphasized the rarity of the event, stating, “It is a World Cup. It only comes around once every four years. You have to grit your teeth. Lots of players play with niggles. Adrenaline plays a big role. I am not at 100% but that is also the case for several players.” His resolve mirrors the determination shown in previous Premier League and Champions League campaigns.

The story was reported by Luke Entwistle for GFFN, highlighting Saliba’s commitment to play through pain for Les Bleus while his condition remains under careful monitoring.