Arsenal defender Saliba out for extended period, says club

Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Semi Final - France v Spain - Dallas Stadium, Arlington, Texas, U.S. - July 14, 2026 France's William Saliba reacts after sustaining an injury... Purchase Licensing Rights , opens new tab July 22 (Reuters) - Arsenal and France defender William Saliba will be sidelined for an ​extended period after suffering a back ‌injury during the World Cup, the Premier League club said on Wednesday. Saliba was hampered ​by the injury throughout the tournament ​in the United States, limiting his ⁠training, before he was substituted after ​30 minutes of France's semi-final defeat ​by Spain and missed the third-place playoff loss to England. "Subsequent 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," Arsenal said in a statement. "Extensive assessments have concluded that surgery is not recommended, but ​William should ​now commence ⁠a managed recovery programme. "Everyone is fully focused on supporting William ​to ensure he is back ​to ⁠full fitness as soon as possible." Arsenal begin the defence of their Premier League ⁠title ​at home against promoted ​Coventry City on August 21. Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. , opens new tab