According to French sports newspaper L'Équipe, France international centre-back William Saliba has reached a final decision on the follow-up treatment for his back injury after waiting to communicate with Arsenal’s club management.
Saliba picked up the injury during France’s World Cup semi-final against Spain. He was forced off early due to back discomfort after playing just half an hour, and France went on to lose the fixture 0-2, missing out on a place in the final. Saliba’s injury has drawn widespread attention. The French national team’s medical staff held close discussions with Arsenal’s team doctors after the match to jointly assess the exact nature of the injury and potential treatment options.
After consulting multiple specialists and undergoing comprehensive evaluations, the 25-year-old French centre-back has ultimately opted against surgical treatment. It is understood that while surgery could fundamentally resolve certain structural issues, it would involve a lengthy recovery timeline and carry inherent risks. Saliba himself prefers to pursue recovery via non-invasive rehabilitation methods.
He will therefore follow a long-term rehabilitation and rest programme consisting of physiotherapy, core strength training and progressive load-building recovery exercises. Arsenal’s medical team will monitor his recovery progress throughout and adjust the rehabilitation plan dynamically based on his physical responses.
At present, it is impossible to give an exact timeline for how long Saliba will be unavailable. The recovery process depends entirely on his physical reactions and subjective sensations, with considerable variation between individuals. The medical team will adopt a gradual approach and avoid rushing his comeback. His absence is expected to last for months, meaning he will miss multiple fixtures at the start of the new season.
Arsenal will adjust their centre-back options during Saliba’s absence to cope with the dual demands of the Premier League and European competitions. Saliba remains positive and is fully committed to rehabilitation, aiming to return to action in better form once he is fully fit. Both the player and the club prioritise his long-term health, and there will be no risky early return in order to meet tight deadlines.
