Arsenal to make decision on William Saliba surgery post-World Cup

Arsenal will make a decision whether William Saliba (25) will have surgery on his chronic back problem after the FIFA World Cup, as per a report from L’Équipe.

Just after the UEFA Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain at the end of May, there was a sudden concern about Saliba’s capacity to represent France at this summer’s World Cup. The concern, primarily, came from his entourage. The France national team medical team showed less concern, whilst Didier Deschamps has also struck a positive tone. 

Whilst Saliba was not involved in the defeat to the Ivory Coast last Thursday – as was always planned – he is expected to start against Northern Ireland tonight. However, that is not to say that he does not continue to suffer from the back problem, as he has done for some time. 

L’Équipe report that, during a session over the weekend, Saliba could be seen grimacing at certain moments of the training session at Clairefontaine. 

At the end of the World Cup, a decision will have to be made. Arsenal will have the choice of a more conservative, long-term treatment or surgery. 

GFFN | Luke Entwistle