Deschamps Provides Positive Update on Saliba’s Fitness
France coach Didier Deschamps has delivered a reassuring update on William Saliba’s fitness ahead of the team’s World Cup opener against Senegal.
Speaking ahead of Monday’s friendly against Northern Ireland, Deschamps confirmed that all 26 members of his squad, including Saliba, are available for selection. He also revealed that Ousmane Dembélé will be in the starting line-up for the match.
The Arsenal defender has been managing a back problem in recent weeks, but is understood to be recovering well and is not expected to miss any upcoming fixtures.
Deschamps added that Saliba is being closely monitored by the national team’s medical staff, noting that the issue has been ongoing for some time but has not prevented him from featuring regularly for Arsenal.
“He is being looked after by the medical staff. We are also managing him based on how he feels, but it is something he has had for several weeks and it has not stopped him from playing every game for Arsenal,” he told Téléfoot.
The encouraging update will be a significant boost for France, with Saliba widely expected to partner Dayot Upamecano at the heart of defence as Les Bleus prepare for their World Cup campaign in the United States.
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