William Saliba steps up after back scare, eyes 16 June Senegal opener | OneFootball

William Saliba is back in full training with France after chronic back pain kept him out against Côte d'Ivoire, with 16 June against Senegal in the United States the aim.

According to L'Équipe, the Arsenal defender feared for his World Cup a week ago after the Champions League final loss to PSG in Budapest, 1-1 then 3-4 on penalties, when the pain peaked. He told a team-mate it looked bad.

Tests on Monday coincided with relief, and the 25-year-old arrived at Clairefontaine on Tuesday with a clear treatment plan. An unused substitute in the 1-2 defeat to Côte d'Ivoire on Thursday, he ran on Friday, trained with the group on Saturday and is expected in Sunday’s session in Villeneuve-d’Ascq before facing Northern Ireland.

Those close to him say playing Senegal without minutes in the friendlies would not trouble his rhythm. Staff have shown no alarm this week. He has managed a nagging back for six months alongside an ankle issue, with club figures noting he has still performed at an exceptional level.

Arsenal decision-makers expect a call at summer’s end between prolonged conservative treatment or surgery. During training he grimaced briefly while taking part in opposition and spoke with Didier Deschamps and fitness coach Cyril Moine, so any minutes and feelings against Northern Ireland will be a first gauge.

Group-stage gaps of six and four days should aid recovery. His form is a major issue for Deschamps and his staff after a standout Euro 2024 on the left of central defence, where he made the team of the tournament.

Source: L'Équipe