Arsenal defender William Saliba has been named in France’s squad for this summer’s World Cup, but the Gunners are paying close attention to his health following a back injury.
Arsenal have received an update on William Saliba’s fitness (Image: Getty Images)
Arsenal have received an encouraging update on William Saliba’s injury status, increasing optimism that the defender will still be available for this summer’s World Cup.
Saliba was included in France’s squad for this summer’s tournament, but concerns emerged on Monday that the 25-year-old might have been injured.
Saliba played the full 120 minutes for Arsenal in Saturday’s Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain and played a key role in helping the Gunners win the Premier League all season.
The Arsenal defender had been selected by France manager Didier Deschamps in his squad for this summer’s World Cup, but reports emerged on Monday that Saliba was at risk of missing the tournament after sustaining a bruise.
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Now, new updates on Saliba’s fitness have emerged, leading to optimism that the Arsenal star could still feature for his country this summer.
Journalist Fabrice Hawkins reported that Saliba has a back problem but is expected to join up with his French teammates at training camp on Tuesday.
According to reports, Saliba’s condition will be assessed following initial tests which confirmed the Arsenal defender was suffering from a back injury.
However, the test results are said to be “encouraging” and suggest Saliba could play a key role for France at this summer’s World Cup.
William Saliba hopes to play a key role for France at this summer’s World Cup
France won’t have to wait long for their World Cup campaign to begin in North America. The season opener is scheduled for Tuesday, June 16th in New Jersey against Senegal in Group I.
Deschamps’ team will then take a few days off before playing Iraq in Philadelphia on Monday, June 22nd, before facing Norway on Friday, June 26th at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, home of the NFL’s New England Patriots.
Arsenal have been closely monitoring Saliba’s fitness over the summer, with the club hoping to get the defender back fit and able to take part in pre-season training later this year.
The timing of Saliba’s return remains uncertain and the centre-back’s return to Arsenal could be delayed further if France progress to the second half of this summer’s World Cup.
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