Arsenal defender William Saliba is expected to miss approximately five months due to a back injury that required surgery. The injury forced him out of France's World Cup semi-final match against Spain.
According to French reports, Saliba could be sidelined until December. The 25-year-old centre-back was substituted in the second half of the match against Spain after experiencing back pain. He was reportedly heard saying, "My back is gone, my back is gone" as he was withdrawn from the game.
This potential absence is a significant blow to Arsenal as they prepare to defend their Premier League title. Saliba has been a key component of the team's defense, forming half of the club's first-choice center-back pairing.
Saliba himself had indicated during the World Cup group stage that he was managing a pre-existing back issue. He stated at the time that he had been dealing with "minor niggles for several months" but was managing them to play in major tournaments.
Last season, Saliba played 50 times across all competitions for Arsenal, contributing to their Premier League title victory. The team also reached the finals of the Champions League and the Carabao Cup. He started France's initial group stage matches in the World Cup but was rested for their final group game. Saliba participated in all of France's knockout stage matches.