Arsenal have confirmed that defender William Saliba will be sidelined for an extended period after suffering a back injury while representing France at the FIFA World Cup.
The 25-year-old had been managing the injury for several weeks and carried the problem into the tournament before being forced off just 30 minutes into France's semi-final defeat to Spain.
Following his return to London, Saliba was assessed by a specialist, who determined that surgery would not be required. Instead, the Arsenal defender will undergo a carefully managed rehabilitation programme.
The injury also ruled him out of France's bronze-medal match against England.
Speaking earlier during the World Cup, Saliba admitted he had been playing through pain.
"I've had some minor niggles for several months. I've been gritting my teeth because there was the Champions League and the Premier League. The World Cup only comes around once every four years, so you've got to push through," he said.
Saliba made 50 appearances in all competitions last season, helping Arsenal end a 22-year wait for the Premier League title while also reaching the UEFA Champions League final.
His absence is a significant blow for Mikel Arteta's side ahead of the new season, with Arsenal set to face Manchester City in the Community Shield before beginning the defence of their Premier League crown against newly promoted Coventry City.
