Saliba set for extended absence with back injury

William Saliba is set to miss an extended period for Arsenal because of a back injury sustained during World Cup duty with France. The club’s reported update says he will follow a managed recovery plan rather than undergo surgery.

The defender had already been dealing with back discomfort before the tournament and was substituted after about half an hour of France’s semi-final defeat to Spain. He later missed the bronze final against England before returning to London for specialist assessment.

For Arsenal, the timing creates an early-season selection concern. Saliba played 50 times in all competitions last season, and Mikel Arteta’s side are due to face Manchester City in the Community Shield before opening their Premier League title defence against Coventry City.

The key uncertainty is the length of the absence. “Extended period” gives Arsenal supporters a clear warning, but not a recovery date, leaving room for further club updates before the competitive fixtures begin.