Saliba Ruled Out Long-Term After World Cup Injury Blow

Arsenal have suffered a significant setback after confirming that defender William Saliba will be sidelined for an extended period with a back injury sustained during the FIFA World Cup.

The France international had been managing the problem for several weeks before aggravating it during France’s semi-final defeat to Spain, where he was forced off after just 30 minutes.

Following specialist assessments in London, Arsenal confirmed that surgery will not be required. Instead, Saliba will begin a carefully managed rehabilitation programme.

The injury also ruled the 25-year-old out of France’s bronze-medal match against England.

Speaking during the World Cup, Saliba admitted he had been battling discomfort for months.

“I’ve had some minor niggles for several months. I kept going because of the Champions League, the Premier League and then the World Cup, which only comes around once every four years,” he said.

Saliba was instrumental in Arsenal’s title-winning campaign last season, making 50 appearances as the Gunners lifted the Premier League trophy for the first time in 22 years and reached the UEFA Champions League final.

His absence leaves manager Mikel Arteta with a defensive headache ahead of Arsenal’s Community Shield clash against Manchester City on 16 August and the opening match of their Premier League title defence against promoted Coventry City.