Overview
- Saliba has chosen non-surgical treatment after consulting with Arsenal, entering an extended program of rest and rehabilitation rather than an operation.
- The problem worsened during France’s World Cup semi-final when he left the match clutching his lower back, a flare that ended his tournament.
- Reports say the absence could last several months with some estimates as long as five months, but the exact timeline will depend on how he responds to rehab.
- Arsenal must now factor a multi-month gap for a key centre-back into their preseason and transfer approach while monitoring ongoing medical assessments with France.
- French coverage notes Saliba has carried back issues since childhood and managed pain through the Champions League and Premier League, a history that adds uncertainty to recovery forecasts.