William Saliba is facing a prolonged spell out of the Arsenal side after the club confirmed a back injury picked up around his World Cup involvement with France. Arsenal say the defender will begin a managed rehabilitation programme rather than undergo surgery.
The issue came after Saliba was taken off during the first half of France’s World Cup semi-final defeat to Spain. Arsenal have not provided a fixed return date, so the immediate impact is clearer than the long-term timetable: Mikel Arteta will need to plan without one of his key centre-backs for now.
There are some defensive options returning to the group. Ben White is back in pre-season training after a knee problem, while Cristhian Mosquera and Riccardo Calafiori are available as centre-back cover. Jurrien Timber remains in recovery from a groin injury, and Piero Hincapie and Gabriel Magalhaes are expected to rejoin the squad soon.
For Arsenal, the key question is how to balance caution with continuity. Saliba’s absence removes a major presence from the back line, but the depth of the squad may reduce the need to rush any recovery decisions.
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