William Saliba recovers and joins France’s training before the World Cup.

Alarm at the French national team’s headquarters: William Saliba, the starting center-back for Arsenal, has finally returned to training with France after being absent due to back pain, at a critical time just days before their World Cup debut against Senegal. Uncertainty loomed over the physical condition of one of the cornerstones of the “Bleus” defensive line, leading to speculation and concern among fans and the coaching staff.

Saliba, 25, missed the sessions on Thursday and Friday, raising concerns that his participation in the World Cup could be at risk. The central defender traveled to the United States dealing with persistent back pain, an issue that had already been managed by Arsenal’s medical department. Before the trip, the possibility of a more serious injury threatened to leave the player out of Didier Deschamps’ final squad, but the national coach and the medical team sought to reassure fans by downplaying the severity of the situation. Nevertheless, managing the issue remains a priority, and the possibility of Saliba undergoing surgery after the tournament has not been ruled out.


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The situation has become complicated with the player’s absence from the first team’s training in Boston, where France is preparing for its World Cup campaign. However, Saliba finally participated in the session on Sunday, his first training since arriving in the United States, with only two days left until the opening match against Senegal. The presence of the center-back is seen as crucial for France’s defensive solidity in a competition where the margin for error is minimal and any absence could be fatal for the French aspirations.

The importance of this return goes beyond the sporting aspect. Saliba has been one of the most consistent players for Arsenal and the French national team, and his physical condition is seen as a barometer of French ambition in this edition of the World Cup. The absence of the central defender could force Deschamps to rethink the entire defensive strategy, introducing less experienced players in high-pressure scenarios. The participation of all 26 players in Sunday’s session, reported by L’Équipe, is a positive sign for the cohesion of the squad, but Saliba’s situation continues to be monitored closely.

Didier Deschamps, faced with doubts surrounding the central defender, assured: “The situation is under control, it is not as serious as initially thought. William is being monitored, but we are confident he will be available for the opening match.” The French coach also emphasized the importance of not rushing decisions: “The most important thing is not to jeopardize the future of the player or the team. William is essential for us, but we will not do anything that compromises his physical integrity.” Saliba, for his part, expressed confidence in his return, stating to reporters after training: “I feel better, I am focused on giving everything for France. I want to help the team from the first minute, if called upon.”

The central defender’s clinical situation remains under close surveillance, with medical staff considering possible surgery immediately after the World Cup if the pain persists. This reality could affect not only France’s performance in the tournament but also Arsenal’s season, as the team’s defensive solidity depends on the player’s availability in the Premier League.

With only one more training session before the match against Senegal, all attention is now focused on Saliba’s progress. The final decision regarding his starting position may be made only on the eve of the match, in a scenario of maximum anticipation. For France, losing the defender at this stage would be a harsh blow, but his presence in training rekindles hope for a defense worthy of the French legacy. The next chapter will be written on the field, where it will be seen if Saliba is truly ready to lead the French wall and help France start the World Cup on the right foot.

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