Concerns mount over William Saliba as the French international will miss the team training ahead of their FIFA World Cup opener against Senegal, scheduled for June 16. The Arsenal defender has been dealing with back issues, which forced him out of the practice session. Instead, he will be undergoing an individual programme, as revealed by the French Football Federation (FFF). Saliba was a key component of Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, who became the Premier League champions and reached the UEFA Champions League final before losing to PSG in the 2025-26 season.
William Saliba Injury Update
France coach Didier Deschamps remains hopeful about having the defender back in time. However, Saliba has yet to regain full fitness. His back pain has kept him out of a crucial team training before France kicks off their World Cup campaign. Saliba will be keen to rejoin the squad as soon as possible, given his impact in the French backline.
“William Saliba will not take part in the day’s team training. Theo Hernandez is also rested as a precaution, as is Aurelien Tchouameni,” the FFF said in a statement.
France Predicted Lineup vs Senegal
France are expected to play in a dynamic 4-2-3-1 formation for their FIFA World Cup opener, with Didier Deschamps aiming for a blend of creativity and defensive stability. Aurelien Tchouameni is set to anchor the midfield alongside either Manu Kone or Adrien Rabiot in a double-pivot role, protecting the back line while giving the attacking players more space.
Desire Doue, Ousmane Dembele and the in-form Michael Olise are likely to operate behind captain Kylian Mbappe in the striking position. Although Mbappe prefers playing as a left winger, he can also lead the attack as the central striker in a fluid frontline.
Defensively, Jules Kounde is the preferred option at right-back, while William Saliba is expected to partner either Dayot Upamecano or Ibrahima Konate in central defence. Lucas Digne appears to hold a slight advantage at left-back.
France Predicted XI vs Senegal: Maignan, Kounde, Saliba, Upamecano, Digne, Tchouameni, Rabiot, Olise, Dembele, Doue, Mbappe
