France defender William Saliba reveals injury struggle at World Cup
Arsenal defender William Saliba has admitted he is playing through a persistent back injury for France at the World Cup following a gruelling domestic campaign.
The centre-back recently helped his club secure the Premier League title but is now feeling the physical toll of a relentless fixture list.
He is currently stationed at the national team’s training base in Boston as they pursue international glory in North America.
Despite dealing with discomfort for several months, the defender insists he is ready to push his body to the absolute limit.
Managing the physical toll
The former Saint-Étienne player featured heavily during a demanding season that included domestic success and regular Champions League football.
I’ve had some minor niggles for several months. I’ve been gritting my teeth because there was the Champions League and the Premier League. But the coaching staff are handling it very well.
He acknowledged that major international tournaments require significant personal sacrifice.
The World Cup comes round only once every four years, so you’ve got to grit your teeth. I’m not at 100 per cent, but there are plenty of players who aren’t at 100 per cent either, you cannot make excuses.
Attacking stars carrying the load
Les Bleus are currently relying on their formidable attacking depth to ease the pressure on a makeshift defensive line.
Captain Kylian Mbappé scored twice to secure a recent victory over Senegal, including a spectacular stoppage-time strike.
Paris St-Germain forward Bradley Barcola also found the net during the group stage fixture in New Jersey.
The 23-year-old is reportedly attracting transfer interest from both Arsenal and Liverpool as he enters the final two years of his current contract.
Praise for Bayern Munich winger
Another standout performer for the French side has been Michael Olise, whose impressive form continues to draw widespread global attention.
Real Madrid recently issued a public statement denying reports they are negotiating personal terms with the Bayern Munich attacker.
Saliba was quick to praise his international team-mate while urging caution over immediate comparisons to French football icons.
He’s a star, but he has a lot to accomplish before he can be compared to Zinedine Zidane or Michel Platini.
However, the defensive stalwart remains firmly convinced of the winger’s elite potential on the global stage.
He can do everything on the pitch. I hope he becomes a player like that. He’s world-class; he can dribble, he shoots, and when he needs to shoot, he shoots. When he dribbles, he dribbles – he’s a joy to watch.