​Arsenal will evaluate William Saliba’s back problem when he returns to the club after fulfilling his World Cup duties. The France centre-back has been battling a persistent back issue for several weeks, a problem that he carried into the tournament. The injury appeared to intensify during France’s semifinal defeat to Spain, when Saliba was forced off after only 30 minutes on the field. Upon his return to London, the Gunners will consider all treatment options, including surgery, though undergoing an operation would likely entail a lengthy period on the sidelines to recover. Last season, the 25-year-old contributed heavily, making 50 appearances across all competitions as Arsenal secured a first Premier League title in 22 years and reached the Champions League final. Earlier in the World Cup, Saliba admitted that he had been dealing with minor niggles for several months, explaining that he had been “gritting my teeth” due to the demands of competing in both the Champions League and the Premier League. He added that the World Cup comes around only once every four years, necessitating that extra push. Saliba missed France’s final group game against Norway before rejoining Didier Deschamps’ squad for the knockout rounds. France are set to face England in the third-place play-off on Saturday at 22:00 BST. As Arsenal prepare for life beyond the World Cup, the focus remains on Saliba’s fitness and the best course of action to ensure he is ready for the demanding schedule that lies ahead in the new season. The club will weigh the risks and benefits of conservative treatment versus surgical intervention, aiming to safeguard the defender’s long-term health while minimizing any potential disruption to the squad. In the meantime, Saliba’s status continues to be a key talking point for Arsenal supporters, who are eager to see him return to full fitness and resume his pivotal role at the heart of the club’s defense. His experience and consistency were instrumental last season, and with the team continuing to chase major honours, the Gunners will be keen to manage his return with caution and precision to preserve his form for the challenges that lie ahead.