Arsenal have confirmed that William Saliba will be sidelined for an extended period due to a back injury. The 25-year-old centre-back played through the problem during France's run to the World Cup semi-final, where he was forced off after 30 minutes against Spain.
No surgery required
Arsenal said in a statement: “Subsequent specialist reviews on William’s return to London this week have confirmed that he has suffered a back injury which will require a period of rehabilitation. Extensive assessments have concluded that surgery is not recommended, but William should now commence a managed recovery programme.”
The club added: “William’s rehabilitation will commence immediately, with continual management of his injury, and he is expected to be out of action for an extended period. Everyone is fully focused on supporting William to ensure he is back to full fitness as soon as possible.”
Saliba's World Cup campaign
After France's loss to Spain, Saliba missed the third-place playoff against England. Earlier in the tournament, he admitted: “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. The World Cup comes round only once every four years, so you’ve got to grit your teeth.”
Arsenal teammates Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice also battled injury problems during the tournament but were fit to play in the third-place match, with Rice scoring and Saka netting a hat-trick.
