William Saliba could require surgery on his back problem after being forced off during France’s semi-final defeat by Spain at the World Cup.
The Arsenal centre-back has been managing the issue for several weeks, carrying it into the tournament. Surgery is among the options that will be considered by the Gunners when he returns to London, though an operation would likely mean a lengthy lay-off.
Saliba addressed his fitness struggles earlier in the tournament, explaining the toll of playing through discomfort. “I’ve had some minor niggles for several months,” he said. “I’ve been gritting my teeth because there was the Champions League and the Premier League. The World Cup comes round only once every four years, so you’ve got to grit your teeth.”
The defender missed France’s final group game against Norway before returning to Didier Deschamps’ side for the knockout stages. France face England in the third-place play-off on Saturday at 22:00 BST.
Image credit: BBC Sport / BBC Sport
