Arsenal have confirmed that defender William Saliba will miss an extended period of action after sustaining a back injury during the World Cup with France.
The 25-year-old had been managing the problem for several weeks before the tournament, choosing to play through the discomfort rather than withdraw from international duty.
Saliba was forced off after just 30 minutes of France’s semi-final defeat to Spain, bringing his World Cup campaign to a premature and painful end.
He subsequently missed France’s bronze medal match, which ended in defeat to England, as his condition was assessed by medical staff.
Upon returning to London, Saliba was seen by a specialist who determined that surgery would not be required, with a managed recovery programme to begin instead.
Earlier in the tournament, Saliba had spoken candidly about playing through pain to represent his country on the biggest stage in world football.
“I’ve had some minor niggles for several months,” he said. “I’ve been gritting my teeth because there was the Champions League and the Premier League.”
He added: “The World Cup comes round only once every four years, so you’ve got to grit your teeth.”
Saliba made 50 appearances across all competitions for Arsenal last season, playing a pivotal role as the club ended a 22-year wait to win the Premier League title.
The centre-back was also part of the Arsenal side that reached the Champions League final, underlining just how important he has become to Mikel Arteta’s defensive structure.
His absence will be a significant concern for Arsenal as they prepare to defend their Premier League title and continue in Europe’s premier club competition.
Arteta’s side are set to face Manchester City in the Community Shield on Sunday, 16 August, just five days before their league campaign gets underway.
Arsenal begin their Premier League title defence at home to promoted Coventry City, and the depth of Saliba’s absence will shape how Arteta plans his defensive options in the weeks ahead.
