France defender William Saliba will not participate in team training on Friday during preparations for the World Cup and will instead follow an individual training programme because of back pain, the French Football Federation confirmed [1, 2]. The back discomfort developed after a demanding season with Premier League club Arsenal, who won the league title and reached the Champions League final [1, 2].
France coach Didier Deschamps had previously said Saliba would be fit for the tournament, but the player's condition has necessitated a cautious approach [1, 2]. Alongside Saliba, defenders Theo Hernandez and midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni are also being rested from team training as a precaution to manage their fitness levels, according to an official FFF statement: "William Saliba will not take part in the day's team training. Theo Hernandez is also rested as a precaution as is Aurelien Tchouameni" [1].
The French squad is preparing for their opening group match against Senegal, scheduled for Tuesday following the training day missed by Saliba. The rest ahead of this match aims to ensure key players are ready for competition [1, 2].
Saliba's individual training plan will focus on managing his back pain while maintaining fitness during the final days before France's first World Cup game on June 16, with the team seeking to balance recovery and readiness for the global stage [1, 2].