Saliba plays World Cup with back on fire: "I'm not at 100%"

William Saliba revealed his physical condition during the France press conference on Saturday, disclosing that he is competing in the 2026 World Cup with persistent back discomfort that restricts his play.

“I’ve had minor discomfort for several months. I’ve gritted my teeth. There was the Premier League and the Champions League to play, then I arrived with the France team,” explained the Arsenal defender. A particularly long season — capped by a Premier League title and a Champions League final — has exacerbated the problem in recent weeks.

The player is not trying to downplay the situation: “Adrenaline plays a big role. But I’m not at 100%.” More concerning still, Saliba acknowledges that his pain concretely affects certain movements, without wanting to specify their nature. “I won’t say what it prevents me from doing because that could inform opponents,” he said.

The former Marseille player is relying nonetheless on the French medical staff and his own determination: “It’s a World Cup, it happens every four years. You have to grit your teeth, many footballers play with discomfort. The staff manages it well. I hope it continues.”

These revelations come as France made an ideal start to the tournament by beating Senegal 3-1 on Tuesday. Les Bleus next face Iraq, before concluding their group stage against Norway. Saliba, a cornerstone of Didier Deschamps’ defense, should therefore play consecutive matches in uncertain physical condition, with the prospect of a knockout stage that promises to be even more demanding.