Arsenal will decide after the World Cup whether William Saliba requires surgery on a long-standing back problem, according to L’Équipe.
Concerns over the defender’s fitness emerged following Arsenal’s Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in May, with questions raised about his availability for France at the tournament.
L’Équipe reports that most of the concern came from Saliba’s entourage, while France’s medical staff have taken a more positive view. Didier Deschamps has also downplayed fears over the 25-year-old’s condition.
Saliba missed France’s defeat to Ivory Coast last week as part of a planned schedule and is expected to start against Northern Ireland.
The defender continues to manage the issue and was reportedly seen grimacing during parts of a training session at Clairefontaine over the weekend.
According to the report, Arsenal will decide after the World Cup whether to pursue a conservative long-term treatment plan or opt for surgery.
