William Saliba Back Injury Concern
Key Questions
What is the current status of William Saliba's back injury?
Arsenal's defender is managing a back injury that may require surgery after the World Cup, but he played in a final friendly and is on track for France's World Cup opener. His fitness has been confirmed with recent international minutes played.
How is Arsenal responding to Saliba's injury concerns?
Manager Mikel Arteta remains supportive of international call-ups, but the club is concerned about a potential repeat of the 2022/23 injury-related collapse. Saliba recently addressed related narratives in an interview.
Will Saliba miss any early season games due to his injury?
The back issue risks affecting early season availability if surgery is needed post-World Cup, though current updates indicate he is fit for France's opener.
Arsenal's best defender is managing a back injury and may require surgery after the World Cup, risking early season games. However, he played in a final friendly and is on track for France's World Cup opener, providing reassurance. Arteta is supportive of international call-ups but the club is worried about a repeat of the 2022/23 collapse. Saliba recently addressed the 'bottle' narrative in an interview. Fitness for World Cup confirmed; he played minutes for France in a recent international round-up.