Arsenal
have announced that defender William Saliba faces an “extended period” on the sidelines after sustaining a back injury while with France at the World Cup.
The 25-year-old had been nursing a back problem for several weeks and entered the tournament carrying the issue, before being withdrawn after 30 minutes of France’s semi-final defeat to Spain.
Following his return to London and assessment by a specialist, surgery was ruled out in favour of a structured rehabilitation programme.
Saliba did not feature in France’s World Cup bronze final, which they lost to England.
Earlier in the tournament, he acknowledged he had been dealing with minor issues for months.
He explained that he had pushed through the pain due to commitments in the Champions League and Premier League.
He added that with a World Cup only every four years, he was determined to persevere.
Saliba made 50 appearances in all competitions for
Arsenal
last season, as they ended a 22-year wait for the Premier League title and also reached the Champions League final.
Mikel Arteta’s side face
Manchester City
in the Community Shield on Sunday, 16 August — five days before the Gunners begin their Premier League title defence at home to promoted
Coventry City.