France Archives: 06/2026

William Saliba will have one last pre-match fitness test, but he’s expected to start France’s World Cup last-32 game against Sweden and Viktor Gyokeres.

Viktor Gyokeres is looking forward to playing against William Saliba on Tuesday, and he believes Sweden can cause an upset in their World Cup last-32 match.

France eased past Norway to top their World Cup group on Friday night, but William Saliba was unavailable for the game as he continues to manage his back injury.

William Saliba says he is not 100 per cent fit as he continues to manage a back issue that has troubled him for several months.

Arsenal and France fans received good news on Saturday, as William Saliba finally returned to training with his national team ahead of their World Cup campaign.

William Saliba has now missed multiple France training sessions, in a worrying sign following previous reports on his ongoing injury problem.

William Saliba is reportedly set for surgery after the World Cup, putting the start of the 2026/27 campaign in doubt for the Arsenal defender.

Didier Deschamps has dismissed concern over William Saliba’s World Cup fitness, saying the Arsenal defender is fine.