Didier Deschamps Confident in William Saliba Despite Back Injury Ahead of France vs Sweden
France's manager, Didier Deschamps, remains confident that defender William Saliba will be ready for the crucial World Cup round of 32 match against Sweden, despite the Arsenal centre-back missing some training sessions due to a persistent back injury.
Saliba Not at Full Strength but Ready to Play
Saliba openly admitted he is not performing at his peak fitness and has skipped training sessions to manage his condition. Yet, Deschamps told the media in New York that the defender is doing well and remains fit enough to start. "Whether he is not at 100 percent, yes, but if he is at 99 percent, that’s fine," Deschamps said. He emphasized that the injury doesn’t stop Saliba from playing with the freedom he showed in France’s first two matches.
Special Care from Medical Staff
The France medical team has introduced a tailored recovery plan to reduce Saliba’s physical strain. This was part of the reason he was rested during the group stage finale against Norway after France had already secured qualification with two wins. Midfielder Adrien Rabiot stressed how important this management is, calling Saliba an essential player who must skip some training to recover properly. "I hope he can keep up with the pace they’ve set because it’s not simple," Rabiot added.
Key Defensive Leader for Les Bleus
Saliba has become a defensive cornerstone for France since Euro 2024, forming a strong partnership with Dayot Upamecano. This duo helped France secure convincing victories over Senegal (3-1) and Iraq (3-0) earlier in the tournament. Deschamps praised Saliba’s qualities, noting his speed, intelligence, and reliability on the field. "He is reassuring for his partners," the coach remarked. Saliba played 50 games for Arsenal this season and was key in their Premier League title win.
Looking Ahead: Can Saliba Maintain Fitness?
The French coaching staff hopes Saliba can get through the rest of the World Cup without worsening his back problem. Maintaining close to full fitness is critical after a demanding schedule. The defender is expected to start against Sweden in the knockout round. If France advances, they will face Paraguay, who caused a major upset by eliminating Germany in the last 16.
