Arsenal and France defender Saliba admits he is playing through pain at World Cup

France and Arsenal defender William Saliba admits he is playing while not at full fitness at this World Cup.

The Gunners star helped his national side to a 3-1 win over Senegal in their opening game of the tournament, and looks set to start again when they face Iraq on Monday with the chance to book their place in the knockouts.

But Saliba revealed he is playing through the pain for his country to aid their attempt to win another World Cup, as he has been doing for a while for his club.

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“I’ve had some minor niggles for several months,” he explained.

“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.

“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.”

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