William Saliba to avoid back surgery?

William Saliba to avoid back surgery?Arsenal and France international centre-back William Saliba (25) may not need surgery after all to heal his chronic back pain, according to L’Equipe. The 25-year-old defender could no longer bear the pain on Tuesday during France’s World Cup semi-final loss to Spain in Dallas. Saliba was forced off, and he’ll play no part in tonight’s Bronze final against Thomas Tuchel’s England.

>France national team manager Didier Deschamps said on Friday that Saliba’s injury has not been worsened against Spain, as indicated by medical scans undertaken on Wednesday. L’Equipe understands that, as things stand, undergoing surgery is not the preferred option for Saliba. Nevertheless, Arsenal will have the final say on the matter. A decision is expected early next week.

>What is certain, though, is that Saliba will remain on the sidelines for an extended period of time. Should Saliba avoid surgery, a lengthy healing protocol would be on the cards.

>GFFN | Bastien Cheval