France head coach Didier Deschamps has officially dismissed growing media speculation regarding Arsenal defender William Saliba`s back injury. Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday at the team’s pre-tournament training camp outside Paris, Deschamps confirmed that Saliba is completely fit and that there is no cause for concern ahead of the World Cup. Saliba joined the camp on Tuesday following the conclusion of the Champions League final.
With France scheduled to face the Ivory Coast in their first pre-tournament friendly on Thursday, Deschamps emphasized that he would not be taking any unnecessary risks with his defensive star. He stated that William is in good condition, and the coaching staff is carefully managing his training workload. The manager noted that while Saliba would definitely be playing if it were a high-stakes competitive match, their primary objective currently remains the overall health and safety of the squad for the upcoming World Cup.
This tournament serves as the final assignment for Deschamps, who has previously announced his departure from the manager position following the conclusion of the World Cup. He intends to use the upcoming friendlies, including the match against Northern Ireland on Monday, to test the depth of his squad through a rotation of players. Particular attention is being given to the five players from Paris Saint-Germain who participated in the European final last Saturday, with stars like Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue being closely monitored for fatigue and fitness.
Deschamps also addressed the form and mental state of French captain Kylian Mbappe, following a turbulent season with Real Madrid. Despite winning the Pichichi trophy after scoring 25 goals, critics raised questions regarding Mbappe`s commitment following two seasons without a major trophy and his late-season hamstring concerns. However, Deschamps offered a glowing assessment of his captain`s current state. He described Mbappe as being in excellent physical and mental form, asserting that whatever occurred at the club level remains at the club level.
The manager emphasized that Mbappe is giving his absolute best in training since day one. As this will mark his third World Cup appearance, the captain brings a level of maturity and experience that is invaluable for the challenging matches ahead. What remains unclear is whether Saliba will be in the starting XI for the opening World Cup match or if he will be managed from the bench to ensure his long-term availability. By balancing player fitness and squad rotation, Deschamps is meticulously crafting his final blueprint for a World Cup victory, relying on the leadership of his star captain to navigate the tournament’s complexities.
