Arsenal defender Saliba sidelined for ‘extended period’ due to back injury

Centre backmost William Saliba won’t necessitate country for wounded sustained astatine World Cup, his nine says.

Arsenal ‌defender William Saliba ⁠will beryllium ⁠sidelined for an extended play aft suffering a backmost wounded portion playing for France during ⁠the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the reigning Premier League champions say.

Saliba was hampered by the wounded passim the tourney successful North America, limiting his training. He was substituted successful the archetypal fractional of France’s 2-0 semifinal defeat by Spain and missed the 6-4 third-place playoff loss to England.

“Subsequent specializer reviews connected William’s instrumentality to London this week person confirmed that helium has suffered a ⁠back wounded which volition ⁠require a play of rehabilitation,” Arsenal said successful a connection connected Wednesday.

France’s William Saliba shakes hands with manager Didier Deschamps aft sustaining an wounded and being escorted disconnected the transportation [Marco Bello/Reuters]

“Extensive assessments person concluded that country is ⁠not recommended, but William should present commence a managed ⁠recovery programme.

“Everyone is afloat ⁠focused connected supporting William to guarantee helium is backmost to afloat fittingness arsenic soon arsenic possible.”

Saliba made 50 appearances crossed each competitions for the North London nine past play arsenic the Gunners ended a 22-year wait to triumph the Premier League rubric and besides reached the Champions League final.

Arsenal ‌are to statesman the defence of their Premier League crown astatine location against promoted Coventry ‌City ‌on August 21.