William SalibaPlayer·William Saliba's World Cup dreams remain intact after France manager Didier Deschamps delivered a reassuring injury update on the ArsenalTeam·Arsenal defender ahead of the 2026 tournament. Despite suffering a back problem following ArsenalTeam·Arsenal's gruelling Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint-GermainTeam·Paris Saint-Germain, medical examinations have cleared the centre-back for international duty.
Speaking to media on Wednesday, Deschamps confirmed that Saliba had avoided a lengthy spell on the sidelines and could have featured in France's upcoming friendly against Ivory CoastTeam·Ivory Coast if required. The France boss stated that the 25-year-old defender would be carefully managed rather than rushed back into action.
"William is doing well, he is going to be managed," Deschamps explained. "If he had had to play tomorrow, he would have played. He was ready to play. But he will not play. It is management, just like for others."
The injury scare emerged after Saliba played the full 120 minutes in Saturday's Champions League final, where ArsenalTeam·Arsenal suffered a heartbreaking 4-3 penalty shootout defeat despite drawing 1-1 with PSG. The physical toll of the marathon encounter raised immediate concerns about his availability for France's World Cup opener against Senegal on June 16.
While the physical concerns have been resolved, Deschamps acknowledged the psychological challenge facing Saliba as he reunites with five PSG players in the France camp. Ousmane DembéléPlayer·Ousmane Dembélé, Bradley BarcolaPlayer·Bradley Barcola, Désiré DouéPlayer·Désiré Doué, Warren Zaïre-Emery and Lucas Hernández arrived in high spirits after securing European glory, creating a stark emotional contrast.
"Of the six players from the final, five had a smile... and had apparently celebrated a lot," Deschamps revealed. "For William, it was more difficult."
The mental recovery represents a significant hurdle for the defender, who has established himself as an undisputed starter in the French defence with 31 international caps. His outstanding 2025-26 campaign with ArsenalTeam·Arsenal, featuring 50 appearances across all competitions, helped the Gunners secure their first Premier League title in 22 years while reaching both the Champions LeagueCompetition·Champions League and Carabao Cup finals.
Saliba will sit out the friendly against Ivory CoastTeam·Ivory Coast as part of his managed return to full fitness. The defender could then feature in Monday's encounter with Northern IrelandTeam·Northern Ireland to build match rhythm ahead of the World Cup. France's medical team will continue monitoring his progress to ensure no lingering effects from his exhausting club campaign.
With France among the tournament favourites, keeping Saliba in peak condition remains a priority for the coaching staff. The defensive stalwart's presence will be crucial as Les Bleus begin their World Cup campaign against Senegal, followed by group stage matches against IraqTeam·Iraq on June 22 and NorwayTeam·Norway on June 26.
The primary objective now centres on ensuring Saliba arrives fully refreshed, both mentally and physically, for what promises to be France's most anticipated World Cup campaign in years.
Gabriel Martinelli (L), Martin Zubimendi (C) and William Saliba (R) during PSG vs Arsenal Champions League match. SOPA Images/IMAGO
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