William Saliba injury: Arsenal confirm France international will miss 'extended period' after returning from World Cup with back problem

Arsenal have confirmed William Saliba will be out for an extended period with a back injury.

However, the France international central defender is not expected to have surgery, according to a club statement.

Saliba was substituted in the 30th minute of France's World Cup semi-final defeat to Spain.

"William Saliba has returned to us from World Cup duty, where he played an integral role in France reaching the semi-finals of the competition," the Arsenal statement reads.

"Subsequent specialist reviews on William's return to London this week have confirmed that he has suffered a back injury which will require a period of rehabilitation.

"Extensive assessments have concluded that surgery is not recommended, but William should now commence a managed recovery programme.

"William's rehabilitation will commence immediately, with continual management of his injury, and he is expected to be out of action for an extended period.

"Everyone is fully focused on supporting William to ensure he is back to full fitness as soon as possible."