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France Put William Saliba on an Individual Programme Ahead of World Cup Opener

Coaches and medics are limiting his group work to preserve his tournament availability with definitive treatment likely deferred until after the competition.

Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - France Training - Bentley University, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. - June 11, 2026 France's William Saliba during training REUTERS/Peter Cziborra
Soccer Football - Euro 2024 - Group D - France v Poland - Dortmund BVB Stadion, Dortmund, Germany - June 25, 2024 France's William Saliba reacts after Poland's Robert Lewandowski scores their first goal REUTERS/Leon Kuegeler

Overview

  • The French Football Federation said Saliba will not take part in first‑team training in Boston and will follow an individual programme under daily medical monitoring.
  • Coach Didier Deschamps has kept Saliba in the 26‑man squad while prescribing managed minutes and resting other players as a precaution before France face Senegal in Group I.
  • Scans carried out in early June identified a recurring back problem that flared after a long season with Arsenal, leaving his status managed day‑to‑day.
  • Arsenal and France medical teams have agreed to postpone any immediate surgery so Saliba can be available for the tournament, and FIFA rules allow France to replace an injured player up to 24 hours before their first match if needed.
  • The cautious plan aims to balance short‑term competitiveness with Saliba’s long‑term health and keeps France ready to use contingency options should his condition change.