Arsenal have been dealt a major injury blow with defender William Saliba expected to be sidelined for up to five months following surgery on his back. The 25-year-old was forced off during France's World Cup semi-final defeat to Spain on Tuesday and is now set to miss the opening months of the Gunners' Premier League title defence.
According to French outlet L'Equipe, Saliba could be out for between four and five months after undergoing an operation. The centre-back collapsed in agony in the first half and told his defensive partner Dayot Upamecano: 'I can't take it any more, my back is finished.' He later confessed he had been dealing with the issue for some time, having said before the tournament: '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.'
Saliba's absence will test Mikel Arteta's defensive resources, as he and Gabriel have formed one of the best centre-half partnerships in Europe. Ben White and Jurrien Timber are both capable of deputising, but the Gunners face a challenging start to the season. Their first ten league fixtures include trips to Aston Villa and Liverpool, as well as a home match against London rivals Chelsea.
