Surgery looms for Arsenal’s Saliba as back issue returns from World Cup

Surgery is now on the table for William Saliba as Arsenal prepare to assess his lingering back problem when he returns from World Cup duty, a stark contrast to his own resolve to push through minor niggles and the club’s caution over a possible long‑term lay‑off. [Getty Images] Arsenal will assess William Saliba's back injury when he reports back to the club after his World Cup duties. The assessment will take place in London as the Gunners look to determine the next steps for the 25‑year‑old centre‑back. Saliba has been dogged by a back issue for several weeks and carried the problem into the World Cup. His discomfort persisted throughout the tournament despite earlier comments about minor niggles. The problem intensified during France’s semi‑final loss to Spain, when he was forced off after just 30 minutes. That early substitution highlighted the severity of the injury on the international stage.

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Surgery is among the options the Gunners will consider once Saliba is back in London. However, an operation would likely require a long‑term lay‑off, prompting the club to weigh alternatives carefully. Saliba made 50 appearances in all competitions for Arsenal last season. His contributions helped the club end a 22‑year wait to win the Premier League and reach the Champions League final.

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Earlier in the World Cup, Saliba said, “I’ve had some minor niggles for several months. 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.” His remarks underscored his willingness to play through discomfort for both club and country. He missed France’s final group game against Norway before rejoining Didier Deschamps’ side for the knockout stage. France will play England in the third‑place play‑off on Saturday at 22:00 BST, making Saliba’s fitness a key factor for the national team.