Didier Deschamps Confident About William Saliba's Fitness Despite Back Pain Ahead of France vs Sweden

France head coach Didier Deschamps insists he is not worried about William Saliba despite the Arsenal defender missing some training sessions because of back pain. The centre-back, who has admitted he isn’t at full strength, remains set to start in their World Cup round of 32 match against Sweden in New York.

Deschamps Addresses Saliba’s Injury Status

Speaking to the press, Deschamps clarified the situation after Saliba missed France’s final group game against Norway. The defender revealed his persistent back issue has limited his fitness, but the coach expressed confidence in his ability to perform. “William is doing well,” Deschamps said. “If he’s at 99 percent rather than 100, that’s okay. It doesn’t stop him from playing as he did in the first two matches.”

Special Recovery Plan to Manage Workload

The French medical team has developed a tailored recovery program to ease Saliba’s physical load. This strategy explains why he was rested during the third group game after France had already secured qualification. Midfielder Adrien Rabiot stressed how important this careful management is, calling Saliba essential and noting the challenges involved in balancing rest and preparation. “He needs to skip some training to recover,” Rabiot explained. “I hope he can maintain the pace with the plan in place because it’s not easy.”

A Defensive Mainstay for France

Saliba has become a key figure in France’s defense alongside Dayot Upamecano, a partnership established since Euro 2024. Their solidity helped France secure convincing wins over Senegal (3-1) and Iraq (3-0). Deschamps praised Saliba’s qualities, emphasizing his intelligence and speed despite the ongoing back trouble. “He’s a true defender—strong in duels, fast, and very reassuring for his teammates,” the coach remarked. Saliba also played 50 games this season for Arsenal, helping them clinch the Premier League title.

Looking Ahead to Sweden and Beyond

France hopes Saliba can maintain his fitness through the knockout stages without worsening his injury. Staying near full capacity is crucial after a demanding tournament so far. Saliba is expected to start against Sweden, with France aiming to progress to the last 16 where they could meet Paraguay, who recently caused an upset by eliminating Germany.