William Saliba has admitted he is not operating at 100 per cent as France prepare to face Iraq in their second World Cup group game on Monday.
The Arsenal centre-back has been managing physical discomfort for several months, having carried the issue through the final stretch of Arsenal’s season before joining Didier Deschamps’ squad in North America.
Saliba has still been involved for France, but his admission will be closely watched at Arsenal after a demanding campaign.
Mikel Arteta leaned heavily on his first-choice defensive core during the title run-in, and Saliba remains one of the players Arsenal can least afford to see pushed too far.
He also stressed that France’s staff are managing him carefully during the tournament.
Arsenal Will Want Saliba Protected During France Duty
The key detail for Arsenal is not simply that Saliba is playing.
It is that he is playing while openly short of full fitness, with France facing Iraq before a final group match against Norway.
ReadArsenal has already covered how Saliba’s return to France training eased some World Cup fears, but this latest admission adds a fresh layer of caution.
Saliba remains one of Arsenal’s most important players, and the club will need him fresh when pre-season begins.
His comments do not amount to a fresh lay-off, but they underline why supporters will track every France team sheet, substitution and training update closely over the next week.
Arsenal do not need panic. They need sensible management.
If Saliba gets through the group stage without aggravating the issue, it will feel like a quiet win for both club and country.
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