Wire flash
SportsWilliam Saliba to avoid back surgery, long treatment expected
Editorial responsibility
- No named human review is recorded for this page.
- Source reporting is collected, normalized, translated or condensed automatically when needed.
- Automatically published source-backed update
France defender William Saliba, a key figure in the World Cup, was forced to leave the semi-final against Spain (0-2) due to chronic back pain. He will miss the third-place match against England. Tests on Wednesday showed no worsening of the injury, according to coach Didier Deschamps. Saliba has suffered from back issues for months, with a first episode two years ago. Surgery is not currently the preferred option; a final decision will be made with his club Arsenal early next week, but a long treatment protocol is favored.
Source report
William Saliba, a key figure in this World Cup, will not play in tonight's third-place match against England after being forced to withdraw due to a back injury sustained during the semi-final against Spain (0-2).
The French defender, who had an otherwise successful tournament, underwent tests on Wednesday. According to Didier Deschamps on Friday, those tests showed no worsening of the injury.
Saliba, a former Saint-Étienne player, has been dealing with this type of pain for several months, with the first episode occurring two years ago. He will now require a long period of treatment.
Surgery Decision Pending
The key question in the short term is whether Saliba will need surgery. As of now, surgery is not the preferred solution. A final decision will be made early next week in consultation with his club, Arsenal. A long treatment protocol may be favored instead.
Source
Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continuWestern
Part of this Story
William Saliba's Back Injury Concerns Ahead of 2026 World Cup