Arsenal anticipate 4-5 month layoff for William Saliba | OneFootball

Arsenal anticipate that France international centre-back William Saliba (25) will miss a big chunk of the next campaign, according to L’Equipe. The centre-back collapsed to the ground in agony during Tuesday’s World Cup semi-final between Les Bleus and Spain. Saliba reportedly told his partner at the back, Dayot Upamecano, that he could not bear the pain anymore, and that his back was “dead“.

The outlet understands that Saliba went above and beyond to play through the pain barrier, with a solid dose of courage and strong painkillers. For months now, the Arsenal centre-back has managed chronic back pain through painkillers and a light training program. The outlet understands that France’s medical staff followed the same protocols that Arsenal implemented.

L’Equipe report sthat departing France national team manager Didier Deschamps may not have known the full picture regarding Saliba’s pain, relying in particular on feedback from the player himself and the medical staff. The outlet adds that surgery is now the likeliest outcome. It would keep Saliba on the sidelines for months. In informal talks with potential defensive reinforcements, the Gunners anticipate that the France international will miss four to five months of action.

GFFN | Bastien Cheval