Arsenal defender William Saliba to miss extended period with back injury
Specialist reviews in London rule out surgery for Saliba, who was substituted during France’s semifinal defeat to Spain and missed the third-place playoff.
Arsenal have confirmed that defender William Saliba will be sidelined for an extended period following a back injury sustained while representing France at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The reigning Premier League champions stated that specialist reviews conducted in London have determined that surgery is not required, and the centre back will instead commence a managed rehabilitation programme.
The injury impacted Saliba’s availability throughout the tournament in North America, limiting his training sessions and forcing his substitution in the first half of France’s 2-0 semifinal defeat by Spain. He was subsequently absent from the team’s 6-4 loss to England in the third-place playoff.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the club emphasised that extensive assessments concluded surgical intervention was unnecessary. "Everyone is fully focused on supporting William to ensure he is back to full fitness as soon as possible," the statement read, confirming that Saliba would now focus on recovery.
Saliba was a pivotal figure for Arsenal last season, making 50 appearances across all competitions as the club ended a 22-year wait to win the Premier League title and reached the Champions League final. His absence presents a significant administrative challenge for the squad as they prepare to defend their domestic crown.
Arsenal are scheduled to begin their new campaign against promoted Coventry City on 21 August. While the specific duration of the "extended period" remains undefined in the club's announcement, the timing coincides with the start of the Premier League season, raising immediate questions regarding the centre back's availability for the opening fixture.
