Arsenal have announced that William Saliba will not undergo surgery on his back injury but have confirmed that the centre-back will be sidelined ‘for an extended period’.
Saliba was forced off with his back injury during the first half of France’s World Cup semi-final defeat to Spain last Tuesday.
The 25-year-old revealed during the World Cup that he had been playing with a back problem ‘for several months’ during Arsenal’s Premier League title-winning campaign.
Arsenal had considered the option of surgery but the Premier League champions have now opted for Saliba to undergo ‘a period of rehabilitation’.
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A statement from Arsenal on Wednesday evening read: ‘William Saliba has returned to us from World Cup duty, where he played an integral role in France reaching the semi-finals of the competition.
‘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.
‘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.’
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