Arsenal’s central defender William Saliba may require immediate back surgery following the upcoming World Cup, as his ongoing discomfort has reportedly worsened in recent weeks. Despite playing through the pain to deliver standout performances for the Gunners, recent medical evaluations suggest that the centre-back might need long-term surgical treatment.
Gunners star playing through pain
As reported by L’Equipe, Arsenal’s key defender William Saliba could undergo back surgery once he completes his international duties this summer. The 25-year-old has been struggling with a persistent back problem for several weeks. Although the issue did not stop him from completing all 120 minutes of the UEFA Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain on Saturday, reports indicate the pain has worsened since that match.
World Cup participation confirmed
Early reports from Foot Mercato had raised fears that the defender might face a lengthy absence, putting his inclusion in Didier Deschamps’ squad at risk. While Saliba’s representatives voiced serious concern about his condition, the French national team’s medical department maintained a more positive outlook. Fortunately, a fresh round of medical tests carried out on Monday produced encouraging results, confirming that the defender is fit to take part in the forthcoming tournament.
Arsenal’s awareness of potential absence
Officials at Arsenal are already bracing for the likelihood that they will be without their dependable centre-back immediately after the global competition. The Premier League champions are aware that the necessary surgery is provisionally planned for late summer. Although Saliba is expected to feature for Les Bleus, there are growing worries within the Emirates Stadium that he could miss the opening phase of the next domestic season.
Focus shifts to global stage
Having featured 50 times during Arsenal’s title-winning campaign, Saliba now turns his attention to his second World Cup appearance with France, following his inclusion in the Qatar 2022 squad. He will line up alongside Dayot Upamecano, Ibrahima Konate, and Maxence Lacroix as part of Deschamps’ defensive core. France will begin their Group I journey against Senegal on June 16, a fixture that recalls their shocking 1-0 defeat in the 2002 tournament opener.
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