EPL: Arsenal confirm extended injury layoff for Saliba

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Arsenal have confirmed that defender, William Saliba, will be sidelined for an extended period after suffering a back injury while on international duty with France at the FIFA World Cup.

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As reported by BBC Sport on Thursday, the 25-year-old centre-back had been managing the problem for several weeks before the tournament but aggravated the injury during France’s semi-final defeat to Spain, where he was forced off after just 30 minutes.

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Following his return to London, Saliba underwent further assessment by a specialist, with Arsenal confirming that surgery will not be required.

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Instead, the France international will begin a managed rehabilitation programme.

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The injury also ruled Saliba out of France’s third-place play-off defeat to England.

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Speaking earlier during the World Cup, Saliba admitted he had been playing through the pain to help both club and country.

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“I’ve had some minor niggles for several months,” he said. “I’ve been gritting my teeth because there was the Champions League and the Premier League. The World Cup comes round only once every four years, so you’ve got to grit your teeth.”

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Saliba was a key figure for Arsenal last season, making 50 appearances in all competitions as Mikel Arteta’s side ended a 22-year wait to win the Premier League title and reached the UEFA Champions League final.

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His absence is a significant setback for Arsenal ahead of the new campaign.

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The defender is expected to miss the Community Shield clash against Manchester City on August 16, as well as the Gunners’ Premier League opener against newly promoted Coventry City five days later.

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The club has not provided a timeline for Saliba’s return but described his expected absence as an “extended period.”

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