Arsenal to assess Saliba back injury with surgery an option
Arsenal will assess William Saliba's back injury upon his return from World Cup duty, with surgery among the options that could require a long-term layoff.
Arsenal are set to evaluate William Saliba's back injury when the defender returns to the club after his World Cup commitments with France. The centre-back has been troubled by a back problem for several weeks and carried the issue into the tournament.
The condition appeared to worsen during France's semi-final defeat to Spain, where Saliba was forced off after just 30 minutes. Surgery is one of the options the Gunners will consider when he returns to London, though an operation would likely mean a lengthy recovery period.
The 25-year-old made 50 appearances in all competitions for Arsenal last season, helping the club end a 22-year wait for the Premier League title and reach the Champions League final.
Earlier in the World Cup, Saliba said: "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."
He missed France's final group game against Norway before returning to Didier Deschamps' side for the knockout stage. France will face England in the third-place play-off on Saturday at 22:00 BST.
