France national team: Deschamps reassures a key defender ahead of the World Cup

After being reported to have a back injury following 120 minutes in the Champions League final with Arsenal, William Saliba caused considerable concern among the French national team staff. However, on the eve of their final warm-up match against Northern Ireland, Didier Deschamps sought to allay fears, according to Foot Mercato.

William Saliba aggravated his injury during Arsenal's Champions League final loss to PSG (1-1 after extra time, 4-3 on penalties), to the point that L'Équipe suggested he could be out for several weeks. Having suffered from back pain for several weeks, the 25-year-old center-back even had to be treated by Arsenal's medical staff during extra time. This raised serious concerns just days before the start of the World Cup.

Reassuring news

But the news is ultimately much better than feared. A new series of medical tests carried out on Monday yielded positive results, allowing the central defender to participate in the upcoming tournament. Interviewed on Téléfoot this Sunday, Deschamps was reassuring: "He's being looked after by the medical staff, and we're also managing him based on how he feels. It's something he's had for several weeks, but it hasn't prevented him from playing matches with Arsenal, including this final where he played 120 minutes." The national team coach had also indicated that Saliba could even have been in the starting lineup against Ivory Coast in the previous friendly match. His participation against Northern Ireland this Monday evening, June 8th, is therefore expected.