Arsenal centre-back William Saliba will be sidelined for an extended period due to a back injury sustained during France's World Cup semi-final defeat to Spain. The 25-year-old defender had been playing with a back problem for several months during the Premier League title-winning campaign.
Saliba was forced off the pitch in the first half of the World Cup match, and subsequent specialist reviews upon his return to London revealed that he had suffered a back injury. Arsenal had considered the option of surgery but decided that a period of rehabilitation would be the best course of action.
A statement from the Premier League champions read that extensive assessments have concluded that surgery is not recommended for Saliba's injury. He will now commence a managed recovery programme with continual management of his injury. His rehabilitation will commence immediately, and he is expected to be out of action for an extended period.
Arsenal expressed their focus on supporting Saliba to ensure he returns to full fitness as soon as possible. The club's medical team will work closely with Saliba to develop a recovery plan that will allow him to return to the pitch in top form.
