William Saliba may miss the start of the season due to injury
William Saliba is facing the possibility of missing the start of the upcoming season as he prepares for additional medical assessments regarding persistent back pain, reports BritPanorama.
The Arsenal defender has been adhering to a modified training regimen throughout the World Cup to manage his condition. His situation worsened when he exited early during France’s 2-0 defeat to Spain, having only lasted 25 minutes on the pitch.
Eyewitness accounts noted Saliba expressing distress, stating, “my back is gone,” which has raised alarm about the severity of his injury, with concerns that he could be sidelined for a duration of four to five months.
According to reports from L’Equipe, Saliba is set to undergo further examinations, including the possibility of surgery, which appears to be the most likely course of action. His absence was felt significantly as France adjusted to his replacement by Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace.
French manager Didier Deschamps had been managing Saliba’s fitness carefully, resting him in a previous match against Norway after France had already secured their qualification. His continued monitoring by the medical staff underscores the seriousness of the player’s condition, particularly as he had previously acknowledged struggling with minor injuries during the tournament.
Saliba reflected on his challenges earlier in the competition, admitting, “I’ve had some minor niggles for several months,” while emphasizing the importance of grit in competing at major tournaments like the World Cup. He acknowledged, “I’m not at 100 per cent, but there are plenty of players who aren’t at 100 per cent either. You can’t make excuses.”
Consequently, Saliba will not participate in France’s third-place play-off against England this Saturday. The Three Lions, having just faced Argentina in a closely contested semi-final that ended in a 2-1 defeat, will look to secure at least a podium finish in the tournament.
As England prepares for the match, the fallout from Saliba’s injury serves as a grim reminder of the physical toll such high-stakes competitions impose on players. The incident encapsulates the precarious balance athletes must maintain between ambition and well-being, a theme that seems to recur with each major tournament.
