Didier Deschamps Confident William Saliba Will Play Despite Back Injury Ahead of France vs Sweden

France coach Didier Deschamps is not worried about the ongoing back pain affecting defender William Saliba, even though the Arsenal player has missed some training sessions. Saliba, who has openly admitted he is not at full fitness, is expected to be ready for France's crucial World Cup round of 32 match against Sweden.

Deschamps Addresses Concerns Over Saliba’s Fitness

Speaking in New York, Deschamps reassured fans and media that Saliba's back issue isn’t cause for alarm. The defender missed France’s last group match against Norway to manage his condition but remains a key defensive figure. "William is doing well," Deschamps said. "He might not be at 100%, maybe 99%, but that doesn’t stop him from playing freely like in the first two matches."

Special Care From Medical Staff

The France medical team has tailored a recovery plan to reduce strain on Saliba’s back. This included resting him during the final group game after France secured their spot in the knockout stage early. Midfielder Adrien Rabiot emphasized how important this careful management is, noting Saliba’s significance to the squad and the challenges of balancing recovery with preparation. "He is essential to our team," Rabiot said. "Skipping training is necessary for him to recover. I hope he can keep up with the program because it's not easy."

Saliba’s Defensive Role in France

Since Euro 2024, Saliba has cemented his spot alongside Dayot Upamecano as France’s defensive cornerstone. Their partnership was key in France’s strong wins against Senegal (3-1) and Iraq (3-0) earlier in the tournament. Deschamps praised Saliba’s qualities, mentioning that the back problem has been ongoing for some time. "He is a true defender—good in duels, quick, intelligent, and a calming presence for his teammates," the coach said. Saliba also played a major role for Arsenal this season, appearing 50 times and helping them clinch the Premier League title.

Looking Ahead

The French staff hopes Saliba can maintain his fitness throughout the rest of the tournament without worsening his injury. Staying near that 99% fitness level will be key for France’s success. Saliba is expected to start against Sweden in the round of 32. If France advance, they will face Paraguay, who recently pulled off a shock win by eliminating Germany.