William Saliba’s World Cup is in serious doubt.
The Arsenal defender has now missed two consecutive France training sessions in Boston.
Get French Football News report that Saliba was absent from both Thursday and Friday’s sessions as he continues to manage a back problem that has been troubling him since before the Champions League final against PSG.
He had appeared to have the issue under control after completing 45 minutes in France’s final warm-up win over Northern Ireland, with the French media full of praise for his seamless return to the heart of the defence.
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But missing back-to-back training sessions has reignited fears that the problem is more serious than initially suggested.
L’Equipe reports that Saliba is following a personalised regime, separate from the main group. There is even a prospect of him requiring surgery on the issue after the tournament.
Didier Deschamps and France’s medical staff have downplayed the severity of the injury, but the concern is growing.
William Saliba’s absence would be a huge blow for both France and Arsenal
France desperately need Saliba — Ibrahima Konate and Dayot Upamecano have consistently struggled to replicate the Arsenal defender’s level, and without him, their defensive solidity is severely hampered.
Saliba has established himself as one of the best — if not, the best — centre-backs in the world.
Ilkay Gundogan named him in his World Cup best XI alongside Marquinhos, citing how much he enjoys watching the Frenchman play.
START, BENCH, SELL: Tony Adams, William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes…
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Arsenal and France legend Patrick Vieira has described him as one of the best defenders of his generation.
The world knows what Saliba is capable of, but will his back allow him to show it?
The news is equally concerning for Arsenal too. Saliba could undergo surgery after the tournament which would impact his availability for the start of next season.
That would be an unwelcome disruption for Mikel Arteta, knowing the drop-off in the team’s overall performance that comes with Saliba’s absence.
France’s World Cup campaign gets underway on Tuesday against Senegal. Hopefully we get to see plenty of Saliba, but the clock is ticking.
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