Arsenal defender could need surgery after World Cup

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Arsenal defender William Saliba could be forced to undergo surgery on a back injury after this summer’s World Cup, raising concerns about his availability for the start of next season.

The French centre-back has been managing the issue during the final weeks of Arsenal’s title-winning campaign and their run to the Champions League final. Saliba played the full 120 minutes in the Gunners’ defeat to Paris Saint-Germain at the weekend.

Surgery decision pending

According to L’Equipe, it has yet to be decided whether Saliba will require surgery on the back problem. If the 25-year-old does need an operation, it would take place following the World Cup in North America.

The timing could prove problematic for Arsenal, with the Premier League season set to begin in August. Any surgery would likely require a significant recovery period, potentially putting Saliba’s participation in the early weeks of the campaign in doubt.

Despite the injury concerns, Saliba is still expected to link up with the France squad for their training camp ahead of the World Cup. France manager Didier Deschamps appeared relaxed about the defender’s condition when questioned about his availability.

“He’s here, everything is fine,” Deschamps told La Dépêche du Midi.

World Cup participation in balance

France face a busy schedule leading up to and during the tournament. They have two friendlies this week against the Ivory Coast on Thursday and Northern Ireland next Monday, though it remains unclear whether Saliba will feature in either match.

The World Cup begins for France on June 16 when they face Senegal in New Jersey in their opening Group I fixture. Deschamps’ side will then travel to Philadelphia to meet Iraq on June 22, before completing their group stage campaign against Norway in Foxborough on June 26.

Saliba’s potential absence would be a significant blow for both club and country. The defender was instrumental in Arsenal’s Premier League triumph and has established himself as one of the most reliable centre-backs in European football.

Arsenal will be monitoring the situation closely as they prepare for what promises to be another demanding campaign. The club will hope that any surgery can be scheduled to minimise disruption to their pre-season preparations and early league fixtures.