Arsenal defender William Saliba has suffered ‘serious structural damage’ to his back, according to reports. The Frenchman would be risking a long-term lay-off if he attempts to play again this season.
Saliba has not played since injuring his back in the Europa League last-16 defeat to Sporting Lisbon on March 16. The Frenchman limped off in the first half and hasn’t been seen since.
Arsenal have suffered in his absence, drawing three successive games in the Premier League to put a major dent in their title hopes. They were hoping Saliba would be fit to return to play Manchester City in the crucial clash at the Etihad on Wednesday.
However, it emerged on Monday morning that the 21-year-old would not be available to play against Pep Guardiola’s side. Now, the severity of the injury has surfaced.
The Mail claims Saliba has serious structural damage in his back. The pain has also alerted medics to a bulging lumbar disc, although the club insist his absence is not due to that.
Arsenal have been trying to get Saliba fit enough for the match at the Etihad, as well as the closing weeks of the Premier League season. But the report says there is concern over his long-term welfare and playing again this season would risk a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Saliba has been desperate to return to action to help his team in the title race. It has been claimed he has recently returned to training on grass to raise hopes he could be back soon.
But Arteta will surely consider whether it would be worth gambling on the France star’s fitness. The Spaniard may decide that Saliba needs the summer to recover and come back fully fit for the start of next season.
Arsenal chasing their first title since 2004 has played a big part in their treatment of Saliba so far. There is an acceptance that he is such a big part of their team that they would be prepared to risk further damage.
But defeat at City on Wednesday would diminish their title chances considerably. That could lead to the realisation that it would not be worth rushing Saliba back and allowing him the next few months to recover at his own pace.
Rob Holding has deputised in Saliba’s absence. But Arsenal have not kept a clean sheet in the five league games he has played, conceding nine goals and winning just two.
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