William Saliba played through chronic back pain for months.
The Arsenal centre-back had been managing the issue through strong painkillers and a light training program.
According to L’Equipe, France’s medical staff had been following the same protocols performed by Arsenal during the World Cup.
During Tuesday’s semi-final defeat to Spain, Saliba told Dayot Upamecano he could not bear the pain anymore, that his back was “dead.” He collapsed to the ground shortly after.
START, BENCH, SELL: Tony Adams, William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes…
PICK IN THE COMMENTS!!!
L’Equipe now report that surgery is the likeliest outcome, with Arsenal anticipating the 25-year-old will miss four to five months of action.
That would rule him out until at least December, potentially longer.
That has dramatic consequences for Arsenal’s summer transfer plans.
What the William Saliba injury means for Ben White
Ben White had been expected to leave the Emirates this summer.
There has been interest from Premier League clubs, including Everton, with Arsenal prepared to listen to offers in the region of £25–30million.
Mikel Arteta was planning to bring in fresh competition for Jurrien Timber, who also missed the World Cup through injury.
Tino Livramento was identified as a key target before the Gunners were put off by his injury record and the price tag set by Newcastle.
Finish the sentence: The most Arsenal should pay to sign Tino Livramento is £__m
Other right-back targets had emerged, such as Ivan Fresneda, and White was deemed surplus to requirements.
That has now surely changed. Saliba’s absence for the opening months of the season leaves Arsenal short at centre-back.
Beyond Gabriel Magalhaes and Cristhian Mosquera, options are limited.
White can cover at centre-back himself, having played there throughout his first season at the Emirates.
Timber could also shuffle across himself, but they will need him at right-back.
Left-backs Riccardo Calafiori and Piero Hincapie can also play central, though Arteta won’t be keen on having two left-footed centre-backs.
Youngster Marli Salmon could provide emergency cover but at 16 he is far too inexperienced, as bright a talent as he is.
It’s clear that White’s versatility, experience and proven quality make him too important to move on right now.
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