William Saliba is believed to have opted not to undergo back surgery after suffering a worrying injury while on duty for France at the World Cup.
The Arsenal defender was captured saying ‘my back is gone, my back is gone’ after being withdrawn in the second-half of Les Bleus’ defeat to Spain, with reports in his home country suggesting that he could be sidelined for an extended period of time.
But Arsenal confirmed on Wednesday night that Saliba has chosen not to go under the knife after extensive assessments, but that he is ‘expected to be out for an extended period’.
Saliba is set to keep track of the healing process to see how quickly it progresses however, which leaves a question mark over how long exactly Arsenal could be without their defensive stalwart.
Earlier in the tournament, the 25-year-old had previously revealed that he was managing a back injury as best as he could.
‘I’ve had some minor niggles for several months,’ Saliba said. ‘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.
William Saliba will look to heal his chronic back pain without undergoing surgery, reports claim
‘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 played 50 times in all competitions last season for Arsenal as the Gunners claimed the Premier League title and finished as Champions League and Carabao Cup runners-up.
He started France’s opening two group stage matches at the World Cup, but was rested for their third after they qualified for the knock-out stages.
Saliba had played in each of France’s knock-out matches until he was withdrawn in the second-half against eventual winners Spain, with Maxence Lacroix taking his place on the pitch first as a substitute, and then as a starter against England.
France’s back line conceded a sensational four goals during the frantic first-half of the third-place play-off, and two in the second as England restored their commanding lead in the 6-4 bronze-medal match.
