France manager Didier Deschamps has moved to calm concerns over William Saliba's fitness ahead of the World Cup, which kicks off this month. The Arsenal centre-back played the full 120 minutes in Saturday's Champions League final in Budapest, where the Gunners lost to Paris Saint-Germain on penalties.
The 25-year-old then joined his teammates for the Premier League trophy parade in north London on Sunday, riding an open-top bus in front of an estimated crowd of one million fans. However, reports emerged on Monday suggesting Saliba was struggling with a back injury that worsened after the final. French outlet Foot Mercato claimed the defender could be sidelined for several weeks, casting doubt on his World Cup participation.
Deschamps quickly dismissed those fears. Speaking at the national team base in Clairefontaine on Monday, he said he had 'read nothing' about an injury and added: 'He's here, everything is fine.' Despite the manager's confidence, Saliba underwent fitness tests on Monday, with medical staff awaiting results to determine whether he is fully fit.
RMC Sport noted that it 'remains to be seen' if Saliba will be fit to start France's World Cup opener against Senegal on June 16. The defender will need to prove his fitness amid stiff competition in central defense, with Dayot Upamecano, Ibrahima Konate, Maxence Lacroix, and Jules Kounde all vying for spots. If fit, Saliba is expected to partner Upamecano in a group that also includes Iraq and Norway.
