Arsenal’s Saliba sidelined long-term after back injury flares up
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Arsenal defender William Saliba will be out for an extended period after aggravating a back injury while playing for France at the World Cup. His absence is significant for the Premier League champions, given his central role alongside Gabriel during last season’s title-winning campaign.
The 25-year-old had managed the issue for weeks but left France’s semi-final defeat to Spain after 30 minutes and missed the bronze-final loss to England. A specialist has ruled out surgery, with Arsenal instead planning a managed recovery; Saliba made 50 appearances last season as the club won its first league title in 22 years and reached the Champions League final.
- Saliba faces an extended absence with a back injury.
- Surgery is not required after specialist assessment.
- Arsenal begin their title defence on 21 August.
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William Saliba's back trouble began several weeks before this year's World Cup, and he was already carrying the issue when he was picked for the France squad for the tournament. The problem worsened during the competition, forcing him off early in France's semi-final against Spain, and he then sat out the third-place play-off against England.
Saliba is a key part of Arsenal's defence, having formed a central-defensive partnership with Gabriel that was central to the club winning last season's Premier League title, their first in 22 years, and reaching the Champions League final. Arsenal manage his fitness closely as a result, given how much the team's results depend on that partnership.
The timing matters because English football's new season is close, with Arsenal facing Manchester City in the Community Shield and then Coventry City in their opening league fixture. Any lengthy absence for Saliba would affect the team's preparations for defending their title.
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Originally published by BBC Sport as “Saliba to miss extended period with back injury”.