France's Saliba reveals back pain, says he is 'gritting his teeth' through World Cup

France and Arsenal defender William Saliba has disclosed that he has been managing persistent back pain for months, playing through discomfort during both the Premier League run-in and the World Cup. Speaking at a press conference on Saturday in Waltham, Massachusetts, the 25-year-old admitted he is below peak condition but insisted he would not use it as a crutch.

A season of grit

Saliba was instrumental in Arsenal's first Premier League title in 22 years last season, but revealed the back problem has been nagging him since the spring. "I've had some minor niggles for several months. I've been gritting my teeth because there was the Champions League and the Premier League," he told reporters. The French squad's medical staff have managed the injury with an individualised training programme, allowing him to perform well in the opening group-stage win over Senegal (3-1).

I'm not at 100 percent, but there are plenty of players who aren't at 100 percent either -- you can't make excuses.

The MetLife pitch complaint

Saliba also criticised the playing surface at MetLife Stadium, where France played Senegal on Tuesday. He described the turf as "like synthetic, very hard" and admitted the condition was "bothersome" for his back. The comment added to a growing chorus of complaints about the venue, which sits in the New York suburbs.

Looking ahead

France next face Iraq on Monday in Philadelphia, needing a win to secure qualification from Group I. A final group match against Norway follows four days later. Saliba's personalised workload suggests he will start again, though his fitness remains under close watch.