Arsenal defender William Saliba has handed France a significant boost after returning to full team training ahead of their opening match of the 2026 World Cup.
The centre-back trained with Didier Deschamps’ squad in Boston on Saturday after missing the first two group sessions earlier in the week.
Concerns had emerged over Saliba’s fitness after reports suggested he was managing a back problem that had troubled him during the closing stages of the season.
The 25-year-old was absent from collective training on consecutive days and instead followed an individual programme alongside midfielder Adrien Rabiot.
However, fresh updates from the France camp have eased fears surrounding the Arsenal star’s condition.
Journalist Fabrice Hawkins reported that Saliba had rejoined the main group, placing him firmly in contention for France’s World Cup opener against Senegal.
The news will come as a major relief for both France and Arsenal supporters after uncertainty surrounding one of Les Bleus’ most important players.
Saliba has established himself as a key figure for club and country over the last two years and is expected to play a central role in France’s bid to win a third World Cup crown.
The Arsenal defender arrives at the tournament following the most successful season of his career.
He helped Mikel Arteta’s side end their 22-year wait for a Premier League title and also played a crucial role in Arsenal’s run to the Champions League final.
Despite his outstanding campaign, questions remained over his physical condition after he continued playing through discomfort caused by a back issue.
Reports indicated the problem originated from a knock sustained during the latter stages of the domestic season.
While the injury has required careful management, neither Arsenal nor the French national team have considered surgery necessary at this stage.
Instead, both medical teams have focused on treatment, workload management and ongoing monitoring.
France manager Didier Deschamps previously played down concerns regarding Saliba’s fitness and demonstrated his confidence by giving the defender 45 minutes during the recent friendly victory over Northern Ireland.
That appearance suggested the problem was not as serious as initially feared, and his return to full training further strengthens that view.
Saliba is now expected to compete for a starting place alongside Dayot Upamecano in the heart of France’s defence when their World Cup campaign begins.
The tournament also presents an opportunity for the Arsenal star to further cement his status among the world’s elite defenders.
After playing only a limited role during France’s run to the 2022 World Cup final, Saliba enters this competition as one of the first names on Deschamps’ teamsheet.
His return to training is therefore timely as France prepare for what they hope will be another deep run on the biggest stage in international football.