In somewhat unprecedented fashion, Arsenal have released a statement about William Saliba’s back injury.
The club are typically very guarded when it comes to issues of player fitness, but in this instance they have confirmed various reports that the French international is set to be sidelined for some time, but that he does not require surgery. This tallies with the information made public by L’Equipe earlier today.
On the official website, which may or may not work depending on the phases of the moon since they did some ‘updates, they say:
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But if you keep going, you find this:
William Saliba has returned to us from World Cup duty, where he played an integral role in France reaching the semi-finals of the competition.
Subsequent specialist reviews on William’s return to London this week have confirmed that he has suffered a back injury which will require a period of rehabilitation.
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.
This was an issue the 25 year old was nursing throughout our title winning season also, so it’s not a new injury, but clearly it’s got a point where it has to be sorted out at the expense of his playing time.
Back injuries are notoriously unpredictable, anyone who has suffered any back issue will understand time-frames are very difficult to be exact with, so all we can do is wish him well and hope he can make a full recovery as quickly as possible.
‘Extended period’ doesn’t sound good, with suggestions he may not be available until the new year, but we’ll have to wait and see how his rehabilitation progresses. In the meantime, a defensive arrival in the transfer market this summer wouldn’t be at all surprising, and may well be viewed as absolutely necessary.
Get well soon, Willo.