Arsenal and France defender William Saliba will be sidelined for an extended period after suffering a back injury during the World Cup, the Premier League club said on Wednesday.

France coach Didier Deschamps said on Wednesday that defender William Saliba is "fine" despite reports he was a doubt for the World Cup with a back injury.

Arsenal missed the chance to close to within four points of Premier League leaders Liverpool after being held to a 1-1 draw at Fulham on Sunday.