William Saliba has admitted he has been carrying a back problem throughout Arsenal’s historic Premier League title-winning campaign this season.
The French defender followed in the footsteps of teammates Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice by sacrificing his body for the club’s 22-year wait for top-flight glory.
Saliba, speaking from France’s World Cup base in Boston, opened up about the physical toll the season has taken on him ahead of the tournament.
“I’ve had some minor niggles for several months,” he said. “I’ve been gritting my teeth because there was the Champions League and the Premier League. But the coaching staff are handling it very well.”
The centre-back made clear that representing France at a World Cup was more than enough motivation to push through any physical discomfort this summer.
“The World Cup comes round only once every four years, so you’ve got to grit your teeth,” Saliba added. “I’m not at 100 percent, but there are plenty of players who aren’t at 100 percent either, you cannot make excuses.”
France showed little sign of any collective frailty in their opening fixture, with captain Kylian Mbappe netting twice, including a dramatic stoppage-time stunner to help defeat Senegal.
Arsenal transfer target Bradley Barcola also got on the scoresheet during that victory in New Jersey, further fuelling speculation around his future at Paris Saint-Germain.
Michael Olise was another standout performer, with his reputation continuing to grow with every appearance for Les Bleus at the tournament in the United States.
Real Madrid issued a statement on Saturday clarifying that, contrary to reports, they are not currently in discussions with Olise’s representatives over personal terms.
Saliba was keen to keep perspective on Olise’s rise, urging caution before the winger is mentioned in the same breath as French football’s greatest names.
“He’s a star, but he has a lot to accomplish before he can be compared to Zidane or Platini,” the Arsenal defender said of his international teammate.
Saliba was nonetheless effusive in his praise, describing Olise as a complete and irresistible talent at this level of the game.
“He can do everything on the pitch,” Saliba said. “I hope he becomes a player like that. He’s world-class; he can dribble, he shoots, and when he needs to shoot, he shoots. When he dribbles, he dribbles, he’s a joy to watch.”
Barcola’s own future remains far less certain, with the 23-year-old entering the final two years of his PSG contract amid stalled extension talks.
Liverpool are also monitoring the former Lyon winger’s situation, meaning Arsenal face serious competition if they wish to bring him to north London.
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