Didier Deschamps Confident William Saliba Will Play Despite Back Injury in World Cup Clash

France coach Didier Deschamps insists he is not worried about William Saliba missing some training sessions because of a back problem as they prepare for their World Cup round of 32 match against Sweden. The Arsenal defender admitted he isn’t at full fitness, yet Deschamps remains confident Saliba will be ready to lead France’s defence in New York.

Deschamps Dismisses Concerns Over Saliba's Fitness

Speaking in New York ahead of Tuesday’s knockout game, Deschamps gave an update on Saliba, who missed the final group match versus Norway. The defender has been managing persistent back pain and acknowledged he is not at his best physically. Still, the coach said, "William is doing well. If he’s at 99 percent, that’s enough. It doesn’t stop him from playing freely as he did in the first two matches."

Careful Recovery Plan in Place

France’s medical and coaching teams have tailored a recovery plan for Saliba, easing his workload to avoid worsening his injury. This explains why he was rested during the third group stage game after France had already secured qualification. Midfielder Adrien Rabiot stressed how important Saliba is to the squad and how carefully his condition must be managed. "He’s essential to our team," Rabiot said. "Skipping training helps him recover. I hope he can maintain the pace with this setup, because it’s not easy."

Saliba: A Key Defensive Pillar

Since Euro 2024, Saliba has become a fixture alongside Dayot Upamecano in France’s defense. Their partnership helped secure wins over Senegal (3-1) and Iraq (3-0) early in the tournament. Deschamps praised Saliba’s qualities, pointing out the long-standing nature of his back issue. "This is not new," Deschamps remarked. "He’s a genuine defender—strong in duels, quick, intelligent, and calm under pressure. His presence reassures his teammates." Saliba’s strong club season with Arsenal, featuring 50 appearances and a Premier League title, reflects his resilience.

Looking Ahead

The French staff hope Saliba can finish the World Cup without aggravating his injury. Maintaining near-full fitness is key after a demanding campaign. Saliba is expected to start against Sweden, and if France advance, their next opponent will be Paraguay, who caused a major upset by knocking out Germany.