Arsenal's Premier League preparations have been thrown into disarray following the alarming recurrence of William Saliba's back injury, casting serious doubt over the French defender's availability for the season's crucial opening weeks.
The centre-back, who was instrumental in Arsenal's title challenge last campaign, was forced to withdraw from France's Euro 2024 squad after suffering discomfort during a training session. Medical scans subsequently confirmed the persistence of the issue that sidelined him during the Gunners' dramatic title collapse last spring.
Defensive Crisis Forces Arteta's Hand
Mikel Arteta now faces a defensive crisis with pre-season preparations underway. The situation has accelerated the club's pursuit of defensive reinforcements, with Bayer Leverkusen's Ecuadorian international Piero Hincapie emerging as the primary target.
However, negotiations have hit a significant stumbling block. Leverkusen's sporting director Simon Rolfes has publicly declared the 21-year-old is "not for sale," placing a formidable £60 million price tag on the player to deter potential suitors.
Hincapie Deal Hangs in the Balance
Arsenal's interest in Hincapie is long-standing, but the club remains reluctant to meet the German side's inflated valuation. The impasse has created a tense standoff, with Arteta desperate to avoid beginning the new campaign with a depleted back line.
The situation is particularly concerning given the physical demands of Saliba's position and the lack of adequate cover. His previous absence coincided directly with Arsenal's drop in form, highlighting his irreplaceable importance to Arteta's system.
Pre-Season Plans in Jeopardy
With the team scheduled to travel to the United States for a pre-season tour, Arteta must now decide whether to include Saliba or focus on his rehabilitation at London Colney. The coming days will be critical in assessing the severity of the setback and formulating a recovery timeline.
This injury setback represents a brutal blow for both player and club, raising questions about the medical management of his initial problem and potentially forcing Arsenal's hierarchy into the transfer market they had hoped to avoid.
