Arsenal reveal William Saliba out for ‘extended period’ with back injury

Arsenal, the Premier League champions, have been dealt a significant injury blow after the centre-back William Saliba was ruled out for “an extended period” with a back injury.Saliba played with a back problem during France’s run to the World Cup semi-final and, although he will not require an operation, the 25-year-old is set for a significant spell on the sidelines. He was forced off with the injury after just 30 minutes of France’s last-four defeat by Spain.“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.“William’s rehabilitation will commence immediately, with continual management of his injury, and he is expected to be out of action for an extended period. Everyone is fully focused on supporting William to ensure he is back to full fitness as soon as possible.”After France’s loss to Spain, Saliba sat out the third-place playoff against England. Earlier in the tournament, he admitted: “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.”skip past newsletter promotionafter newsletter promotionArsenal’s England duo Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice also battled injury problems throughout the tournament, although both of them were fit enough to star in the third‑place decider, with Rice getting the first goal and Saka scoring a hat‑trick.