Arsenal offer concerning medical update on William Saliba

Premier League holders Arsenal have offered a medical update surrounding star defender William Saliba.

And the news is both encouraging and concerning in equal measure.

The French international featured prominently for Les Bleus this summer in North America, before ultimately coming off injured in their 2-0 semi-final loss to eventual winners Spain.

Per an announcement on the club’s website, Saliba “has suffered a back injury which will require a period of rehabilitation.”

The statement goes on to read: “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.”

It’s a massive blow to the Gunners and for Saliba, who was rumored to be carrying the injury across the latter stages of the Gunners’ successful domestic campaign.

Arsenal have reportedly been linked with interest in a number of centre-backs this summer of late, including out-of-contract England international John Stones, with the latest update on Saliba potentially altering the clubs’s summer transfer plans.