Arsenal get William Saliba injury update as star ‘makes surgery decision’ following World Cup blow

ARSENAL fear William Saliba will miss MONTHS of the new season after deciding not to undergo surgery to overcome his back problem. The defender, 25, was forced off during France’s World Cup semi-final defeat to Spain last week. William Saliba was forced off with a back injury as France crashed out of the World Cup Credit: Getty The defender has decided not to have an operation Credit: Shutterstock Editorial And there have been concerns that Saliba is in line to be crocked for the start of Arsenal’s Premier League title defence. The former Marseille man has been weighing up how to get himself back to full fitness. Sign up for the Arsenal newsletter Thank you! L’Equipe report Saliba has chosen not to go under the knife after holding talks with Arsenal’s medical department. It means the centre-back is facing a lengthy period of treatment and needs to rest before being given the green light to return to training. Saliba wants to keep tabs on the healing process and see how quickly he progresses instead of having an operation. There have been suggestions he suffered a back fracture during Arsenal’s loss to Bournemouth in April. But Saliba was determined to play through the pain barrier to keep his World Cup dreams alive and feature in the final weeks of the Gunners’ push for silverware. The Emirates Stadium favourite said: “I’ve had some minor niggles for several months. Most read in Sport SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET UP TO £100 BONUS “I’ve been gritting my teeth because there was the Champions League and the Premier League. But the coaching staff are handling it very well. “The World Cup comes around only once every four years, so you’ve got to grit your teeth. “I’m not at 100 per cent, but there are plenty of players who aren’t at 100 per cent either. You can’t make excuses.” Saliba’s injury has resulted in Arsenal considering a move for free agent John Stones as a short-term fix. The six-time Premier League title winner, 32, is assessing his options after leaving Manchester City. But Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is facing competition from Chelsea as the new season edges closer. Comment now