Arsenal Suffers the Loss of Saliba Due to Prolonged Injury and He Is Doubtful for the Season

The French defender will be out for several months due to a back injury, leaving the Gunners without their defensive pillar at the start of the season.

An unexpected blow for France and Arsenal

William Saliba was forced out of the World Cup semifinal against Spain due to injury. After medical examinations in London, it was confirmed that the French defender will have to undergo a long rehabilitation process due to a back injury. Although he will not undergo surgery, specialists have determined that he needs a controlled recovery program that will keep him off the field for several months

Statistics that reflect his impact

During the tournament, Saliba was key in France's defense, starting six times, keeping a clean sheet in four matches, and posting numbers that placed him among the best on the team. He was second in clearances, behind only Upamecano, and led in aerial duels won. His absence not only hurts the national team, but also Arsenal, which loses one of its key players in the midst of preparations to retain the Premier League

Arsenal looks for alternatives in the market

The London club will make its debut on August 21 against Coventry City, with the Community Shield against Manchester City as a prelude. Without Saliba, the management is already considering reinforcements, and the name that is being mentioned the most is John Stones, who is free after a decade at City and who had a good World Cup under Tuchel. The Frenchman's absence forces Arteta to rebuild his defense and rely on the depth of the squad to sustain the ambition for titles in a demanding season