William Saliba Injury Update: Is Saliba Playing for France Today in World Cup?

France CB William Saliba is officially listed as expected to play and start for Tuesday's France vs. Senegal World Cup match from MetLife (NY/NJ) Stadium at 3:00 p.m. ET.

Saliba, France’s defensive player, suffered a back injury during an Arsenal match about two months ago. The 25-year-old played 120+ minutes in the UEFA Champions League against PSG, but something looked off. Despite that, the defender will be ready for the World Cup.

It'll be interesting to see when manager Didier Deschamps subs Saliba out of the lineup today or in group play. He already could have some concerns about depth when it comes to players starting in Saliba’s place. Finding beneficiaries in the starting XI could be a challenge in the midfield.

Below, we'll break down the latest William Saliba injury update for Tuesday, how Saliba is likely to be used in group play, and what World Cup picks to possibly target on PrizePicks with Saliba potentially limited.

Make your France World Cup 2026 predictions on PrizePicks.

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William Saliba Injury Update: Is Saliba Playing Today vs. Senegal?

Saliba sustained a back injury during an Arsenal English Premier League match in April. Many were more concerned when France employed an “all is well” approach to recovery, given that the 2026 World Cup was approaching.

It's no secret that Saliba didn't look right in that UEFA Champions League final on May 30th.

Saliba has officially been ruled as able to start for Tuesday's game vs. Senegal. This is with the caveat that the defender may not play the full match. France knows the back is not quite 100%.

He fully participated in group training on Saturday in preparation for a matchday one matchup against the Lions.

Deschamps is rumored to be easing a few players with the French squad, including Jules Koundé. Group I features an uneasy opener against Senegal and a potential battle with Norway. France is still expected by many to win their group and make a deep run.

Some are astonished that Saliba is even playing at this stage. He may be subbed out sometime during the second half. The stalwart defender played one half against Northern Ireland, and nothing tightened up. His ability allows Deschamps to fret less about his depth.

Make your France vs. Senegal predictions for the World Cup on PrizePicks.

How Long Will Saliba Be a Starter?

France’s manager expects Saliba to play in every group-stage match. Still, could see the French center-back get some rest come matchday two when France takes on Iraq on June 22?

There remain rumors that Saliba will eventually need back surgery. Arsenal has anticipated a potential delay to Saliba’s EPL 2026-27 campaign. Deschamps isn't worried about that right now, though.

The projection is that Saliba starts today and will continue to be monitored. After that, there is a little less certainty. 

What French Players to Target for PrizePicks If Saliba Is Limited?

With Saliba possibly limited at some point in the group stage or beyond, France knows it has a problem on its hands. People may forget that fellow defender Jules Koundé was banged up, too. France cannot rely too much on depth, but Les Bleus do have choices.

Ibrahima Konaté comes to mind, along with Dayot Upamecano.

The exiting Liverpool FC player (signed with Real Madrid next season) plays an aggressive style that could be useful against Senegal, Iraq, and even Norway. This may be a chance for Konaté to get time here, even to spell Saliba. The 27-year-old could be Deschamps’ best backup plan here. 

Here are France’s players who may benefit most statistically on PrizePicks with Saliba possibly subbed vs. Senegal today, plus their World Cup stat projections for Tuesday.

• D Jules Konaté vs. Senegal — 2.5 Tackles (Demon) / 0.5 Fouls (Goblin) / 0.5 Cards (Demon)
• D Deyot Upamecano vs. Senegal — 2.5 Tackles (Demon) / 0.5 Fouls (Goblin) / 0.5 Cards (Demon)
• D Ibrahima Koundé vs. Senegal — 2.5 Tackles (Demon)  / 0.5 Fouls (Goblin) / 2.5 Crosses

Koundé could be the risk-reward beneficiary if Saliba becomes further limited. Both are risks when it comes to fitness.

The 27-year-old prepares to play in his second World Cup. The FC Barcelona starter enters the World Cup with 48 CAPS. That includes five of seven starts in 2022 and all six games at Euro 2024. 

Upamecano rose to starter status during the 2022 World Cup as well. While Upamecano is not quite as well-known as his compatriots, there is little question that the Bayern Munich defender has the potential to step up in any unexpected absence of Saliba.

He also has 2 goals in 38 CAPS for the French national team. 

Combine France to Win + Koundé picks on PrizePicks.

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Make France vs. Senegal World Cup Picks on PrizePicks

Saliba will start but might be limited. Koundé and Konaté could benefit, and France’s opening World Cup match is just hours away. France has some concerns about Saliba, and Deschamps knows this, even with the “depth” of the French. 

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