William Saliba was forced off after just 30 minutes of France's World Cup semi-final defeat to Spain, nursing a back injury that has dogged him for weeks and now threatens a long-term lay-off.
The 25-year-old centre-back has been carrying the problem into the tournament, having gritted his teeth through the latter stages of last season as Arsenal won the Premier League for the first time in 22 years and reached the Champions League final. He made 50 appearances in all competitions.
“Saliba forced off after 30 mins in France semi-final; surgery may mean long lay-off.”
“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.”
The issue appeared to worsen during the semi-final, prompting his early withdrawal. He had already missed France's final group game against Norway before returning for the knockout stage.
Now Arsenal will assess the defender when he reports back to the club after World Cup duty, with surgery among the options under consideration. An operation would probably require a long-term lay-off to recover.
France face England in the third-place play-off on Saturday before Saliba returns to London for a decision that could shape Arsenal’s season.
