JAKARTA - France's national team (Timnas) head coach Didier Deschamps has allayed concerns over the fitness of centre-back William Saliba ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
ESPN previously reported that the 25-year-old would undergo scans on Monday, June 1, 2026, to find out how serious his back problem was, which he suffered from a few weeks ago. There are concerns he could miss the tournament.
However, Deschamps said on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, local time, that the defender's fitness was not a concern before Les Bleus began the 2026 World Cup warm-up with a friendly against Ivory Coast on Friday, June 5, 2026, early morning WIB, in Nantes, where Saliba is expected not to play.
"William is fine and will be dealt with. If he needs to play tomorrow, he will play," Deschamps said at a news conference.
Saliba played in 50 of the 63 possible games for Arsenal this season, becoming a key player in winning the English League and traveling to the 2025/2026 Champions League final.
Meanwhile, France will also face Northern Ireland on June 8, 2026 in Lille before flying to North America, where the 2026 World Cup campaign begins against Senegal on June 16, 2026.
Deschamps was asked about whether he had a core group of players for the 2026 World Cup.
"Of course, yes. But you never know. There will be two games (friendlies) between now and then (the 2026 World Cup starts), a lot of things can happen."
"They all want to be in the starting lineup. We will pay attention to the frustration this can cause. In addition, due to the special situation in the United States, with the break between matches, we will study other things," said Deschamps.
Deschamps will carefully manage the Paris Saint-Germain stars, Ousmane Dembele, Bradley Barcola, Warren Zaire-Emery, Desire Doue, and Lucas Hernandez - especially those who were starters in the Champions League final last weekend.
"I have to manage playing time, distribute players, even if it goes against the team's wishes. All 26 players are in good condition."
"This warm-up match is one step towards the next step before facing Northern Ireland four days later," said Deschamps.
France are in Group I of the 2026 World Cup along with Senegal, Iraq, and Norway.
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