Arsenal and France defender William Saliba has revealed he is 'gritting his teeth' and playing through injury during the ongoing World Cup in the United States. The 25-year-old centre-back has been a key figure for the Gunners over the past three seasons, making at least 50 appearances in each campaign.
Saliba admits playing at less than 100%
Saliba was nursing injuries during the second half of the season but continued playing as Arsenal secured the Premier League title and narrowly missed out on Champions League glory. There were concerns that aggravating a back problem could jeopardise his World Cup spot, but he made the trip with the rest of the France squad.
Speaking ahead of France's second group match against Iraq on Monday, Saliba said: '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.'
He added: '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.'
Deschamps addresses injury management
France boss Didier Deschamps confirmed the defender is being carefully managed. 'He is being looked after by the medical staff, and we are also managing him based on how he feels,' said the long-serving manager. 'But it's something he's had for several weeks and it hasn't prevented him from playing every match with Arsenal, including that final for 120 minutes.'
Saliba played the full 90 minutes in France's opening 3-1 victory over Senegal and intends to keep playing despite the discomfort.
France favourites against Iraq
France are overwhelming favourites to beat Iraq on Monday after Norway thrashed them 4-1 in their first match. Saliba, however, is taking nothing for granted. 'We've watched some of the videos from their game against Norway, and I think they have a good team,' he said. 'It won't be easy, even if people think that because we're playing Iraq we'll automatically get the three points.'
