Arsenal have confirmed that defender William Saliba will miss an extended period after returning from the FIFA World Cup with a back injury.
The France international sustained the problem during the tournament and has since undergone medical assessments, with the Gunners revealing that he will not require surgery.
Instead, Saliba is expected to begin a rehabilitation programme under the supervision of Arsenal’s medical staff as he works towards a return to full fitness.
The club did not provide a specific timeline for his recovery, but acknowledged that the 25-year-old is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Saliba’s absence is a significant setback for manager Mikel Arteta, with the French centre-back having established himself as one of Arsenal’s most influential defenders in recent seasons.
The injury comes at a crucial stage of preparations for the new campaign, leaving Arsenal to assess their defensive options while Saliba continues his recovery.
Although surgery has been ruled out, the Gunners will closely monitor the defender’s rehabilitation before determining when he can resume full training and competitive action.
