William Saliba's back injury, which forced him off after just 30 minutes of France's World Cup semi-final defeat to Spain, will be assessed by Arsenal when he returns to London — with surgery among the options that could sideline the centre-back for a long-term lay-off.
The 25-year-old had been gritting his teeth through the problem for several months. "I've had some minor niggles for several months," Saliba said earlier in the World Cup. "I've been gritting my teeth because there was the Champions League and the Premier League. The World Cup comes round only once every four years, so you've got to grit your teeth."
“Arsenal to assess William Saliba's back injury; surgery could mean long-term lay-off for key defender.”
He missed France's final group game against Norway before returning for the knockout stage, but the issue appeared to be exacerbated in the semi-final loss to Spain, forcing him off after half an hour. France still have a third-place play-off against England on Saturday, but Saliba's participation is in doubt.
For Arsenal, the stakes are high. Saliba made 50 appearances in all competitions last season as the Gunners ended a 22-year wait to win the Premier League and reached the Champions League final. An operation would likely require a significant spell on the sidelines, leaving Mikel Arteta with a defensive headache heading into the new season.