Blow for Arsenal: Saliba could be out for five months

Arsenal defender William Saliba is facing the prospect of up to five months on the sidelines, a setback that would rule him out for the opening months of the team's Premier League title defence. The news is a huge blow for the Gunners, who have seen the Frenchman become a cornerstone of their recent success. Saliba has established himself as a key figure for both his club and the French national team. It was while on duty with Les Bleus that an injury, which had been troubling him for months, finally took its toll.

He collapsed to the ground grimacing in pain during the first half of France's semi-final match against Spain on Tuesday and had to be substituted after just half an hour. French publication L'Équipe claims the Arsenal defender could be out for "four to five months" following surgery, meaning he would miss at least the first three months of the season for the Gunners.

Saliba reportedly told his defensive partner Dayot Upamecano, "I can't take it anymore, my back is done," as he fell to the ground during the World Cup match.

The 25-year-old admitted he had been struggling with the issue for some time before the tournament began but has not spoken since his forced substitution on Tuesday. Prior to the World Cup, he stated: "I've had some minor pain for a few months. I gritted my teeth because there were Champions League and Premier League matches. But the coaching staff is managing the situation very well. The World Cup only comes around once every four years, so you have to grit your teeth. I'm not at 100 percent, but there are many players who aren't at 100 percent either. You can't make excuses."

Arsenal begin their season at home against Coventry, and their first ten matches include away trips to Aston Villa and Liverpool, as well as hosting London rivals Chelsea.