News Focus
- France international has suffered with back pain for several weeks
- He played the full 120 minutes against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final
- Medical tests show he will likely join the World Cup squad
- Gunners may be without their key centre-back for the opening matches of the new season
- Surgery could be scheduled for the end of the summer
Arsenal centre-back William Saliba might need an operation on his back after the FIFA World Cup ends. The 25-year-old has been struggling with this injury problem for a number of weeks.
French newspaper L’Équipe reports that the defender played through the pain during the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain last Saturday. He managed to stay on the pitch for the full 120 minutes. However, his discomfort has become more severe since that match.
Earlier this week, there were real fears that the Frenchman would miss the World Cup. Medical tests carried out on Monday brought better news, and he is now expected to travel with the national team. Despite this, the North London club are preparing to be without him when the new campaign begins.
The Gunners already knew they might lose their player after the tournament. Doctors may book the surgery for the end of the summer. This means manager Mikel Arteta could be forced to start the Premier League season without one of his most important defenders.