Arsenal are facing an anxious wait over William Saliba’s fitness after the centre-back was forced off during France’s World Cup semi-final defeat by Spain, with surgery among the options being considered by the club’s medical team.
The 25-year-old had been managing a back problem for “several months” before his tournament ended after just 30 minutes in New Jersey. “I’ve been gritting my teeth because there was the Champions League and the Premier League,” Saliba said earlier in the tournament. “The World Cup comes round only once every four years, so you’ve got to grit your teeth.”
“William Saliba may need surgery after back injury forced him off in World Cup semi-final.”
Arsenal go into the new season as defending champions after winning their first title in 22 years, but the World Cup has left a heavy mark on their squad. A total of 15 Gunners players were involved in the tournament, with eight still competing before this weekend’s final matches — including David Raya, Mikel Merino and Martin Zubimendi in the Spain side that faces Argentina, and England quartet Noni Madueke, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze in the bronze medal match against France.
Saliba’s partnership with Gabriel Magalhaes was central to Arsenal’s title success, their clean sheets securing vital points. If he is ruled out long-term — reports in France suggest four months — Mikel Arteta will have to rely on alternatives. Ben White is expected to be fit for the start of the season after knee surgery, while Jurrien Timber, who missed the World Cup with the Netherlands but returned from a long spell out in the Champions League final, offers another option alongside Riccardo Calafiori and Cristhian Mosquera.
Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka also managed fitness issues during the tournament, but are not expected to need a longer lay-off once it ends, though both will be monitored closely by Arsenal’s medical staff.
Elsewhere, the World Cup has accelerated transfer activity. Leandro Trossard enjoyed a fine tournament with Belgium, starting all six games and scoring twice before joining Turkish club Besiktas for £15m. Gabriel Martinelli, who showed flashes of quality playing for Brazil in a central role under Carlo Ancelotti, is another player Arsenal could be open to selling.
Aston Villa were forced into the market after Amadou Onana ruptured the ACL in his right knee during Belgium’s last-16 win over the USA, ruling him out until next year. They responded by completing a club-record move for Johan Manzambi from Freiburg for more than £50m, also signing Joao Gomes — especially with Youri Tielemans joining Manchester United. Chelsea have agreed a £117m deal to sign England midfielder Morgan Rogers.
For Arsenal, the immediate focus is on Saliba’s back. As the Premier League season looms just over a month away, Arteta will hope his defensive rock avoids the operating table.