Arsenal are stepping up contingency plans to cover for William Saliba's potential long-term absence after the defender's back injury resurfaced during the World Cup. The Gunners ended their wait to become Premier League champions last season, largely thanks to their miserly defence built on the partnership between Gabriel Magalhaes and Saliba. However, the France international could miss as much as five months with the back problem that first troubled him during the 2022/23 season.
Saliba's injury history and impact
Saliba missed the run-in during the 2022/23 campaign, and Arsenal struggled without him, eventually losing the title to Manchester City. The 25-year-old has managed the condition since, but his back gave out again during France's semi-final defeat against Spain earlier this week. Arsenal have yet to decide on the best course of action, but surgery has not been ruled out. Either way, manager Mikel Arteta is set to be without one of his first-choice central defenders for a significant period.
Potential replacements and targets
Arsenal's first-team squad currently boasts potential replacements, including Pierro Hincapie, Riccardo Calafiori, and Cristhian Mosquera, while teenager Marli Salmon could feature more prominently next term. Arteta had already been mindful of Saliba's workload, having had to nurse the former Saint-Etienne defender through the tail-end of last season. Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa had emerged as a potential target, but according to The Sun, a move for free agent John Stones is under consideration.
John Stones' availability
The 32-year-old ended a trophy-laden decade with Manchester City last month upon the expiration of his contract. Stones is yet to make a decision on his future but has not ruled out remaining in England, despite significant interest from abroad. The former Everton centre-half worked with Arteta during their time together at the Etihad Stadium and could be attracted by the prospect of rekindling that relationship.
