Didier Deschamps provides reassuring update on Arsenal’s William Saliba’s fitness

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With nine days to go before France’s World Cup opener against Senegal, Didier Deschamps has shared some insights into his players’ fitness levels. With a particular focus on the finalists from the most recent Champions League.

After first confirming that Ousmane Dembélé (29) would start against Northern Ireland on Monday evening, the France manager went on to confirm that his “26 players will be available” , including William Saliba (26) for this final friendly before flying to the United States.

Suffering from a back injury, the Gunners defender is now feeling better and is not expected to be kept out of action.

“He’s being looked after by the medical staff. We’re also managing him based on how he feels, but it’s something he’s had for several weeks and it hasn’t stopped him from playing every game for Arsenal,” Deschamps explained to Téléfoot.

The news is a welcome relief for all Les Bleus supporters, who are hoping to see the newly crowned Premier League champion back on the pitch soon, as he is expected to start alongside Dayot Upamecano (27) in France’s central defence.

GFFN | Léo Aschi