Arsenal Blow! William Saliba Faces Extended Back Injury Layoff After World Cup
The Gunners confirm star defender William Saliba faces a lengthy recovery period due to a persistent back injury sustained during the World Cup with the French national team.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- William Saliba faces an extended back injury layoff following the World Cup with France.
- The player has been examined by specialists in London and does not require surgery.
- He admitted to playing through pain for months to help the club.
- Mikel Arteta prepares his team to face Manchester City in the Community Shield.
Arsenal Football Club has officially confirmed that 25-year-old key defender William Saliba will face an extended spell on the sidelines after sustaining a back injury while on international duty with France at the World Cup.
Saliba had been dealing with a back problem for several weeks prior and carried the injury through the World Cup campaign, until he was eventually substituted in the 30th minute of the semi-final where France lost to Spain, and subsequently missed the third-place play-off defeat to England.
The absence of William Saliba is a major test for Mikel Arteta at the start of the new season, as the defender played a crucial role in their Premier League title triumph and UEFA Champions League runner-up finish last campaign. Opting for a rehabilitation program instead of surgery is an approach that helps minimize the risk of a prolonged absence, even though his readiness for the start of the season remains in doubt.
Upon returning to London, Saliba underwent a thorough examination by medical specialists, with the conclusion that surgery is not necessary at this time. Instead, he will follow a structured rehabilitation program.
"I've had minor issues for months. I had to grit my teeth because we had Champions League and Premier League fixtures ahead."
William Saliba
Last season, Saliba made 50 appearances across all competitions for Arsenal, helping the team end a 22-year wait to win the Premier League title while also reaching the UEFA Champions League final.
Arsenal's next fixture under manager Mikel Arteta is against Manchester City in the Community Shield on Sunday, August 16, before they begin their Premier League title defense by hosting newly promoted Coventry City five days later.
Source: BBC Sport
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