Arsenal issue William Saliba surgery update after back injury curtails World Cup campaign

He has joined back up with Arsenal and will require a lengthy period of rehabilitation.A club statement read: “Specialist reviews on William’s return to London this week have confirmed that he has suffered a back injury which will require a period of rehabilitation.William Saliba is facing a considerable spell on the sidelinesAFP/Getty“Extensive assessments have concluded that surgery is not recommended, but William should now commence a managed recovery programme.“William’s rehabilitation will commence immediately, with continual management of his injury, and he is expected to be out of action for an extended period.“Everyone is fully focused on supporting William to ensure he is back to full fitness as soon as possible.”It is not immediately clear how long Saliba will remain sidelined, but the expectation is that he could miss several months.William Saliba was a key player in Aresenal’s historic 2025/26 campaignAFP/GettySpeaking at full time, Deschamps explained: “William Saliba got injured and it’s problematic. He went through some examinations. The injury did not worsen. He faced that injury since March. He had some pain and unfortunately the pain was not bearable.”Saliba has previous with back problems. It was a back injury which ended his 2022/23 campaign early, ruling him out from mid-March to the end of the season.Read MoreThe Frenchman’s absence is a considerable blow for Arteta and Arsenal as they prepare to defend their Premier League title. Saliba was a keystone member of the side last season, making a staggering 50 appearances as the Gunners won the league and reached the final in both the Carabao Cup and Champions League.