Should France worry about William Saliba after Friday training absence? | OneFootball

William Saliba was held back from France training again on Friday as he manages back pain, four days before the World Cup opener against Senegal on Tuesday at 21:00. His situation is not viewed as alarming, but he remains on a tailored programme.

According to L'Équipe, the Arsenal defender was at the Waltham, Massachusetts base but did not take part in the session. On Thursday he restricted himself to the warm-up and a run with Adrien Rabiot.

The recurring back issue has bothered him for several months, and flared after the Champions League final against PSG, which ended 1-1 before a 3-4 shootout. He underwent tests afterwards that were not concerning.

His presence in the United States was never in doubt, though he missed the first friendly against Côte d’Ivoire, a 1-2 defeat, and played only the first half versus Northern Ireland, a 3-1 win. Since then he has been managed day to day, with staff closely tracking how he feels. After the Lille game he felt pain similar to what he experiences at club level, prompting caution over his workload.

Those around the player remain confident he can be ready. The France staff echo that tone, noting the return-to-play plan had been scheduled. At club level he has often spent two or three post-match sessions in treatment after major Premier League or Champions League fixtures.

Source: L'Équipe