Arsenal could be without William Saliba for up to five months after the French defender suffered a back injury during France’s FIFA World Cup semi-final defeat to Spain.
The 25-year-old was forced off after just 30 minutes and is now expected to undergo surgery. According to reports from L’Equipe, Saliba could be sidelined for between four and five months, dealing a major blow to Arsenal ahead of the new Premier League season.
Saliba has been one of Mikel Arteta’s most important players in recent years, forming a strong defensive partnership with Gabriel and playing a key role in Arsenal’s recent success.
The French international had already admitted before the World Cup that he had been managing a back problem for several months. Despite the pain, he chose to continue playing through the closing stages of last season and into the tournament.
“I’ve had some minor problems for several months,” Saliba said before the World Cup. “The Champions League and the Premier League were important, and the World Cup only comes around every four years. I’m not at 100 per cent, but many players are in the same situation.”
If the recovery timeline is confirmed, Saliba is expected to miss the opening months of Arsenal’s campaign, leaving Arteta to rely on players such as Ben White and Jurriën Timber until the French defender returns.
