Arsenal dealt major injury blow with Saliba set for lengthy spell out | OneFootball

Arsenal have confirmed that William Saliba will be sidelined for an extended period with a back injury.

The France international has returned to London following his country’s run to the semi-finals and has undergone extensive consultations with Arsenal’s medical team and specialists.

While surgery was considered, it has ultimately been decided that the 25-year-old will instead embark on a carefully managed rehabilitation programme.

Saliba is expected to spend a lengthy period resting and recovering, with sources indicating he could be absent for around three to four months, although no definitive timetable has been set.

It represents a significant but not unexpected blow for Mikel Arteta ahead of the new campaign, with Saliba having established himself as one of the Premier League’s outstanding central defenders and a cornerstone of Arsenal’s defence.

The France star struggled with injury issues related to his back at stages last season and it was initially feared he would require surgery following the World Cup.

In a statement, Arsenal said: “William Saliba has returned to us from World Cup duty, where he played an integral role in France reaching the semi-finals of the competition.

“Subsequent specialist reviews on William’s return to London this week have confirmed that he has suffered a back injury which will require a period of rehabilitation.

“Extensive assessments have concluded that surgery is not recommended, but William should now commence a managed recovery programme.

“William’s rehabilitation will commence immediately, with continual management of his injury, and he is expected to be out of action for an extended period.

“Everyone is fully focused on supporting William to ensure he is back to full fitness as soon as possible.”

The decision to avoid surgery is understood to have been made following detailed discussions between the player, Arsenal and medical specialists, with a conservative rehabilitation programme deemed the best course of action.

Although the club have not placed a timescale on his recovery, Saliba is expected to miss the opening months of the season, creating a sizeable gap in Arsenal’s defence.

His absence leaves Arteta facing an early defensive reshuffle as Arsenal prepare for the start of the Premier League campaign, with the club hoping one of their most influential players can make a full recovery before returning later in the season.