France defender William Saliba says he is “gritting his teeth” and playing through pain at the World Cup while dealing with a back problem that has bothered him for several months. The Arsenal centre-back, 25, has been carrying the issue for “several weeks” and says he is not at 100%, but adds that many players are not fully fit. He has played every match for Arsenal during the recent season, including extended involvement in major games, and arrived with the France squad for the tournament. Saliba says France’s medical staff look after him and that the team manages him based on how he feels. France coach Didier Deschamps also comments that Saliba is being treated and monitored and that the issue has not kept him out of Arsenal’s matches, including playing every match and featuring in a Champions League final that went to extra time. In France’s World Cup opener, Saliba plays in the 3-1 win against Senegal and intends to keep contributing. Ahead of France’s next match against Iraq, Saliba says France will not underestimate Iraq despite expectations of a straightforward game.
William Saliba says he is playing through back pain at the World Cup
France defender William Saliba says he is “gritting his teeth” and playing through pain at the World Cup while dealing with a back problem that has bothered him for several months. The Arsenal centre-...
- William Saliba says he has been dealing with a back problem for several months while playing at the World Cup.
- Saliba describes “gritting his teeth” despite not being fully fit, and says excuses are not appropriate in the tournament.
- France medical staff and the team monitor and manage his condition based on how he feels.
- Saliba played in France’s World Cup opener, a 3-1 win over Senegal.
- France coach Didier Deschamps says the back issue has not prevented Saliba from playing consistently for Arsenal, including matches that went to extra time.
William Saliba is a key player for France at this summer’s World Cup (Picture: Getty Images) France and Arsenal defender William Saliba is ‘gritting his teeth’ and fighting through the pain of injury during this summer’s World Cup. The 25-year-old has been a warhorse for the Gunners over the last three seasons, reaching a half-century of appearances for three campaigns on the spin. The centre-back was nursing injuries in the second half of the season but played on as Arsenal pushed on to win the Premier League title and narrowly missed out on winning the Champions League. There were some fears that he had cost himself a place at the World Cup by aggravating a back problem, but he has made it across the Atlantic with the rest of the France squad. Don't miss a World Cup moment Lionel Messi’s hat-trick. Cape Verde’s heroics. Those Scottish fans. It’s been a memorable World Cup so far – our daily newsletter helps you make the most of it. Sign up. Saliba played the full match as France beat Senegal 3-1 in their opener and intends to keep playing, despite it being a painful experience. Ahead of France’s second game against Iraq on Monday, Saliba said: ‘I’ve had some minor niggles for several months. I’ve been gritting my teeth because there was the Champions League and the Premier League. But the coaching staff are handling it very well. ‘The World Cup comes round only once every four years, so you’ve got to grit your teeth. I’m not at 100 per cent, but there are plenty of players who aren’t at 100 per cent either — you can’t make excuses.’ Saliba played the full game as France beat Senegal in their World Cup opener (Picture: Getty Images) France boss Didier Deschamps addressed the injury headache for his defender ahead of the tournament. ‘He is being looked after by the medical staff, and we are also managing him based on how he feels,’ said the long-serving manager. ‘But it’s something he’s had for several weeks and it hasn’t prevented him from playing every match with Arsenal, including that final for 120 minutes.’ Saliba will add to his 33 France caps in the coming days (Picture: Getty Images) France are runaway favourites to beat Iraq on Monday after Norway hammered them 4-1 in their first match of the tournament. ‘We’ve watched some of the videos from their game against Norway, and I think they have a good team,’ said Saliba. ‘It won’t be easy, even if people think that because we’re playing Iraq we’ll automatically get the three points.’ Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source
13 hours agoArsenal centre-half William Saliba reveals he is " gritting his teeth" to help France chase a third World Cup title in North America despite carrying a long-term back problem.
13 hours agoFrance centre-half William Saliba said Saturday he has been "gritting his teeth" and playing through the pain at the World Cup after suffering from a back problem for the past few months."The World Cup comes round only once every four years, so you've got to grit your teeth."
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