Arsenal have been dealt a significant injury worry after defender William Saliba admitted he has been playing through pain for several months. The France international, a key figure in Arsenal's Premier League title triumph, revealed the issue ahead of his country's second World Cup group match against Iraq.
Saliba's Admission of Persistent Niggles
Speaking at a press conference in Philadelphia on Saturday, Saliba disclosed that he has been managing minor injuries for an extended period. "I've had some minor niggles for several months," he told reporters. "I've been gritting my teeth because there was the Champions League and the Premier League. But the coaching staff are handling it very well."
The centre-back, who started France's opening 3-1 win over Senegal, acknowledged that he is not at full fitness. "The World Cup comes round only once every four years, so you've got to grit your teeth. 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," he added.
Impact on Arsenal's Season
Saliba was instrumental for Arsenal last season, making 50 appearances in all competitions and scoring once against Chelsea. His contributions helped the Gunners secure their first Premier League title since 2004 and reach the Champions League final, where they lost to Paris Saint-Germain on penalties in Budapest.
His only assist of the season came in the Carabao Cup third round against League One side Port Vale, a match Arsenal won 2-0. The 23-year-old has been a regular starter for France alongside Bayern Munich's Dayot Upamecano, forming a crucial defensive partnership for Les Bleus.
France's World Cup Campaign
France, runners-up in the 2022 World Cup, are competing in Group I and face Iraq in their second match. Saliba's fitness will be closely monitored by both the French coaching staff and Arsenal, as the player continues to manage the niggles that have persisted for months.
