The report says Saliba has played with small physical problems for several months, including during the demanding end of Arsenal’s season. He nevertheless completed the full match in France’s reported 3-1 opening victory over Senegal.
“Tenho alguns pequenos incômodos há vários meses. Tenho cerrado os dentes porque havia a Champions League e a Premier League. Mas a comissão técnica está lidando muito bem com isso”, Saliba said.
The update also says concern had centred on a back problem aggravated late in the campaign. For a defender whose game relies on speed, positioning and physical duels, France will need to ensure determination does not become a liability.
France’s medical staff are monitoring Saliba closely, with his involvement expected to depend on how he responds from day to day.
“Ele está sendo cuidado pelo departamento médico, e nós também o administramos com base em como ele se sente”, Deschamps said.
That approach gives France room to protect the player without immediately removing him from contention. Saliba’s availability is valuable, but the tournament is a long-term challenge rather than a single-match sprint.
The report says Iraq suffered a 4-1 defeat to Norway in their opener, while France began with victory. On paper, that makes the reigning contenders clear favourites, but Saliba has rejected any assumption that the points are guaranteed.
“Não será fácil, mesmo que as pessoas pensem que, por estarmos jogando contra o Iraque, vamos automaticamente somar os três pontos”, he said.
The main storyline on Monday will be whether Saliba starts again - and whether his body gives France the answer they want.