Arsenal have been dealt a significant injury blow as centre-back William Saliba has been ruled out for an extended period due to a back problem. The Premier League champions confirmed the news following specialist reviews after the defender’s return to London this week.
Saliba, 25, played through the discomfort during France’s run to the World Cup semi-final, where he was forced off after just 30 minutes of their defeat to Spain. He subsequently missed the third-place playoff against England.
Arsenal’s statement noted that surgery is not required, but Saliba will now begin a managed recovery programme. “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,” the club said.
Earlier in the tournament, Saliba admitted he had been “gritting his teeth” through minor niggles for several months, prioritising both club and country commitments. Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice also battled injuries during the World Cup but were fit to feature in the third-place match.
