Arsenal have announced that defender William Saliba will be sidelined for an extended period after aggravating a back injury while representing France at the FIFA World Cup.
The 25-year-old centre-back had been dealing with the issue for several weeks before the tournament and continued to play through the discomfort. However, he was forced to leave the pitch after just 30 minutes during France’s semi-final defeat to Spain.
Following his return to London, Saliba underwent further assessment with a specialist. Arsenal confirmed that surgery will not be required, with the defender instead beginning a carefully managed rehabilitation programme aimed at a full recovery.
The injury also ruled Saliba out of France’s third-place play-off against England.
Speaking earlier during the World Cup, Saliba admitted he had been playing through pain for months.
He explained that he had been coping with minor back problems while balancing Arsenal’s Premier League and Champions League campaigns, adding that the opportunity to represent France at a World Cup was too important to miss.
Saliba was a key figure for Arsenal last season, making 50 appearances in all competitions as Mikel Arteta’s side secured their first Premier League title in 22 years and reached the Champions League final.
His absence now presents an early challenge for Arsenal ahead of the new campaign. The Gunners face Manchester City in the Community Shield on 16 August before beginning the defence of their Premier League crown at home against newly promoted Coventry City five days later.