Key Takeaways:
- Didier Deschamps has stated William Saliba will not play in France’s friendly against Ivory Coast later today
- Despite earlier reports of a back injury, Saliba’s World Cup participation is not under threat and he joined the squad on Tuesday
- Six recent Champions League finalists, including Saliba, are not expected to start against Ivory Coast after only returning on Tuesday
Saliba’s Injury Update and Squad Status
France manager Didier Deschamps has offered reassurance regarding William Saliba’s health after reports this week emerged of the Arsenal centre-back suffering a back injury. Despite this, the 25-year-old arrived at the national camp on Tuesday ahead of the World Cup warm-up fixtures. According to reports, Saliba is expected to undergo surgery following this summer’s tournament.
🚨 Didier Deschamps 🇫🇷 sur Saliba 🇫🇷 : « IL VA BIEN, IL VA ÊTRE GÉRÉ. 😁
Si il avait fallu jouer demain, il aurait joué. Mais il jouera pas. C'est de la gestion. ❌
Les 6 de la Ligue des champions sont arrivés tardivement, je serai amené à repartir les temps de jeu.
C'est le… pic.twitter.com/KKe7XUow5V
— Actu Foot (@ActuFoot_) June 3, 2026
Selection for Ivory Coast Friendly
When questioned about Saliba’s availability for France’s first preparatory match against Ivory Coast on Thursday in Nantes, Deschamps confirmed that the defender will sit out the fixture. Nonetheless, France’s head coach firmly asserted that Saliba’s role in the forthcoming World Cup campaign remains secure. Deschamps stated, “If William Saliba had to play tomorrow, he would have played.”
Champions League Finalists Monitored
Deschamps further elaborated that the six French internationals who participated in Saturday’s Champions League final – William Saliba, along with PSG’s Lucas Hernandez, Warren Zaïre-Emery, Désiré Doué, Bradley Barcola, and Ousmane Dembélé – are not expected to feature from the outset against Ivory Coast since they only joined the national camp at Clairefontaine on Tuesday. Deschamps highlighted the need to properly manage these players’ workloads: “I have to manage their workload, even if it goes against the team’s overall strategy. But now is the time to do it.”
Next Opportunity for Saliba and PSG Contingent
Saliba, as well as PSG’s group of France internationals, are anticipated to receive an opportunity to sharpen their form in the build-up to the World Cup when France faces Northern Ireland in their final warm-up fixture on Monday.
