William Saliba has admitted he is not fully fit for the 2026 World Cup, revealing he has been nursing a back problem for several months after a gruelling Arsenal campaign. The defender, speaking from France's base in Boston, said he has been gritting his teeth through the pain but is determined to help Les Bleus go one better than their 2022 runners-up finish.
Saliba's Injury Admission
Saliba explained: "I've had some minor niggles for several months. 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 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 cannot make excuses."
The 25-year-old centre-back played a key role in Arsenal's Premier League title triumph last season, but the physical toll has been significant. He joins teammates Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice in feeling the effects of a long campaign.
France's Star Performers
Despite Saliba's fitness concerns, France have been buoyed by the form of captain Kylian Mbappe, who scored twice including a stoppage-time stunner in their win over Senegal. Arsenal transfer target Bradley Barcola also found the net in New Jersey, while Michael Olise impressed with his all-round performance.
Saliba praised Olise, saying: "He's a star, but he has a lot to accomplish before he can be compared to [Zinedine] Zidane or [Michel] Platini. He can do everything on the pitch. I hope he becomes a player like that. He's world-class; he can dribble, he shoots, and when he needs to shoot, he shoots. When he dribbles, he dribbles—he's a joy to watch."
Real Madrid issued a statement clarifying they are not in talks with Olise's representatives over personal terms, amid speculation linking the Crystal Palace winger with a move.
Bradley Barcola's Future
Barcola, who has won back-to-back Champions League titles with PSG, is at a crossroads in his career. The 23-year-old finds himself on the periphery of the starting XI at both club and international level, but is expected to start against Iraq after Desire Doue failed to impress. Barcola is entering the final two years of his PSG contract, and with talks over an extension stalling, Liverpool are also monitoring his situation.
