WILLIAM SALIBA SAYS HE IS PLAYING THROUGH INJURY DISCOMFORT AT THE WORLD CUP
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By: Muftau Fatimo
William Saliba has revealed that he has been “gritting his teeth” to continue playing through pain at the World Cup, following a back issue that has troubled him for several months.
The France centre-back, who played a crucial role in helping Arsenal win their first Premier League title in 22 years last season, admitted he is not fully fit in North America as he continues his bid to help France secure a third World Cup triumph.
Speaking ahead of France’s Group I clash against Iraq, Saliba said he has been managing minor injuries over an extended period while balancing club and international commitments.
“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 said.
The World Cup comes round only once every four years, so you’ve got to grit your teeth.”
I’m not at 100 percent, but there are plenty of players who aren’t at 100 percent either — you can’t make excuses,” he added.
Saliba has been following a personalised training programme since the France squad met up for the World Cup but still managed to put in a strong showing in the 1998 and 2018 champions’ opening group-stage win against Senegal on Tuesday.
Les Bleus take on Iraq on Monday in Philadelphia, where they can ensure progression to the knockout stages with a victory, before taking on Norway four days later.
AFP
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