Overview
- Saliba was forced off during France’s World Cup semi-final after aggravating a chronic back problem he had managed since March.
- Didier Deschamps said post-match examinations found no clear worsening of the injury but confirmed Saliba cannot play in the third-place match.
- Arsenal will reassess Saliba when he returns to London and are working with France’s medical staff before making a final treatment decision.
- French reports say surgery could mean a four-to-five month absence, but current coverage indicates non-surgical rehabilitation is the preferred option for now.
- A prolonged layoff would push Arsenal to rethink preseason plans and defensive recruitment while raising questions about how clubs and nations manage players who play through chronic pain.