UMVA has learned that French defender William Saliba is determined to power through a lingering injury and continue playing in the World Cup, despite it being a painful experience.
Saliba played the full match as France kicked off their campaign with a 3-1 win over Senegal, and he intends to keep taking to the pitch, gritting his teeth through the discomfort. The injury has been a nagging issue for several months, but Saliba believes the World Cup's once-in-a-four-year occurrence makes it worth pushing through the pain.
According to information obtained by UMVA, Saliba has been managing his fitness with the help of the coaching staff, who are handling the situation carefully. He acknowledged that he's not at 100 percent, but emphasized that many players are in similar situations, and making excuses isn't an option.
France boss Didier Deschamps addressed the injury concerns surrounding Saliba ahead of the tournament, revealing that the defender is being closely monitored by the medical staff. Deschamps noted that Saliba has been playing through the issue for weeks, including a 120-minute match with his club, and is confident in his ability to manage the pain.
As France prepares to face Iraq on Monday, Saliba warned that the opponents should not be underestimated, despite their 4-1 thrashing by Norway in their first match. He emphasized that Iraq has a good team and that France can't afford to take their opponents lightly, even if they are favorites to win.
With this mindset, Saliba is set to add to his 33 France caps in the coming days, determined to help his team succeed in the World Cup. His commitment to playing through injury will undoubtedly be a key factor in France's campaign.
