William Saliba cleared for World Cup despite back injury concerns

France manager Didier Deschamps confirmed that Arsenal centre‑back William Saliba will miss the friendly against Ivory Coast but remains in contention for the World Cup, saying the 25‑year‑old would have played if required. Subsequent medical examinations were positive, allowing Saliba to join the squad for the tournament’s final warm‑up against Northern Ireland.

Arsenal acknowledge that Saliba’s lingering back problem may require surgery after the World Cup, meaning he could miss the start of the Premier League season. The club and French national team are managing his workload to preserve his availability for France’s Group I opening match against Senegal on June 16.