Saliba's back injury deemed 'reassuring' as France await World Cup fitness verdict

William Saliba is expected to join France’s World Cup training camp on Tuesday despite sustaining a back injury, with journalist Fabrice Hawkins reporting that initial tests on the Arsenal defender have come back “reassuring”.

Concerns over Saliba’s fitness emerged on Monday, days after the 25-year-old played the full 120 minutes in Arsenal’s Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. The centre-back had been a cornerstone of the Gunners’ campaign as they secured the Premier League title, and was subsequently named in Didier Deschamps’ France squad for this summer’s North America World Cup.

Hawkins confirmed that Saliba has a back problem but indicated the defender is anticipated to link up with his international teammates as scheduled. His condition will continue to be assessed in the coming days, with the nature and severity of the injury still being monitored.

France open their Group I campaign on Tuesday, June 16 against Senegal in New Jersey, leaving Deschamps with limited time to gauge Saliba’s availability. Les Bleus then face Iraq in Philadelphia on Monday, June 22, before completing the group stage against Norway on Friday, June 26 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough.

Arsenal will be tracking Saliba’s progress closely throughout the summer. Should France advance deep into the tournament, the defender’s return to pre-season training at the club could be pushed back further, though no return date has been confirmed at this stage.