William Saliba was forced off after just 30 minutes of France's World Cup semi-final defeat to Spain, and Arsenal have now confirmed the 25-year-old centre-back will miss an "extended period" with a back injury.
The Premier League champions released a statement after Saliba returned to London and was assessed by a specialist. "Extensive assessments have concluded that surgery is not recommended, but William should now commence a managed recovery programme," the club said. "He is expected to be out of action for an extended period."
“Arsenal's William Saliba out for extended period with back injury, no surgery needed after World Cup setback.”
Saliba had been playing through pain for months. Earlier in the World Cup he admitted: "I've had some minor niggles for several months. 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."
France boss Didier Deschamps revealed after the semi-final loss that Saliba's pain had become "unbearable", adding that the defender had been dealing with the issue since March.
Saliba sat out France's bronze final defeat by England. His partnership with Gabriel has been the foundation of Arsenal's success, including ending a 22-year wait for the Premier League title and reaching the Champions League final last season.
Arsenal face Manchester City in the Community Shield on 16 August, five days before beginning their Premier League title defence at home to promoted Coventry City. Without Saliba, Mikel Arteta must find a solution for a defence that has been the best in Europe.