William Saliba could be sidelined for up to five months after undergoing back surgery, plunging Arsenal’s title defence into uncertainty just weeks after they finally won the Premier League under Mikel Arteta.
The France international was forced off in the first half of his country’s World Cup semi-final defeat to Spain, having reportedly been taking painkillers to manage the problem. According to L’Equipe, the necessary operation will keep him out until at least December.
“William Saliba faces up to five months out after back surgery, deepening Arsenal's defensive crisis ahead of their title defence.”
The timing could not be worse. Arsenal have already lost Leandro Trossard, sold along with Karl Hein and Jakub Kiwior to recoup the £34.5m spent on making Piero Hincapie’s loan permanent. Only Trossard featured regularly last season, but Arteta now needs a senior centre-back urgently.
One solution may be a return for Dinos Mavropanos. The former Arsenal defender was named West Ham’s player of the year last season and could be available for around £25m following the Hammers’ relegation. But Borussia Dortmund and Leeds United are also circling.
Another target, Emmanuel Mbemba, has slipped away. The 18-year-old PSG youth captain, who can play left-back or centre-back, chose Paris FC over Arsenal and Monaco. “Emmanuel is a modern and talented left-footed defender,” said Paris FC sporting director Marco Neppe. “His versatility, playing style, passion, and determination impressed us.”
Arsenal have already added backup goalkeeper Illan Meslier, but with Saliba’s absence and Trossard’s departure, the squad looks thin. Arteta’s hard part – defending the title – just got harder.
