Saliba Keeps Playing Through Pain at World Cup

France defender William Saliba said on Saturday he has been "gritting his teeth" and playing through pain at the World Cup due to a back issue he has had for a few months.

Saliba was important in helping Arsenal win their first Premier League title in 22 years last season. He told reporters that he is not at "100 percent" in North America as he aims to help France win their third World Cup.

"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. But the coaching staff are handling it very well," Saliba said at a press conference before France's upcoming Group I match against Iraq.

"The World Cup comes round only once every four years, so you’ve got to grit your teeth."

"I’m not at 100 percent, but there are plenty of players who aren’t at 100 percent either, you can’t make excuses," he added.

Saliba has been following a personal training program since the France squad gathered for the World Cup but still performed well in the opening group-stage win against Senegal on Tuesday.

Les Bleus will face Iraq on Monday in Philadelphia, where a win will secure their place in the knockout stages. They will then play Norway four days later.