Saliba set for extended Arsenal absence with back injury
Arsenal say William Saliba will begin rehabilitation after specialists advised against surgery on a back injury sustained with France.
By Daniel Okafor · Business Editor
2 min read
Arsenal defender William Saliba is expected to miss an extended period after a back injury suffered while on duty with France at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the club said. The setback leaves the Premier League champions without a key centre-back as they prepare to defend their title.
Arsenal said on Wednesday that specialist reviews carried out after Saliba returned to London confirmed the injury and determined that he should begin rehabilitation. The club said surgery has not been recommended after further assessment.
“Everyone is fully focused on supporting William to ensure he is back to full fitness as soon as possible,” Arsenal said in a statement, according to Al Jazeera and Reuters.
Injury disrupted France’s World Cup run
Al Jazeera and Reuters reported that Saliba dealt with the back problem during the tournament in North America, where it restricted his training. He was taken off in the first half of France’s 2-0 semifinal defeat by Spain.
Saliba then missed France’s third-place playoff against England, which England won 6-4, according to Al Jazeera and Reuters. Reuters photographs from the semifinal showed Saliba reacting after the injury and leaving the pitch after speaking with France coach Didier Deschamps.
Arsenal did not give a date for Saliba’s return. The club said he will start a managed recovery programme after the specialist reviews concluded that an operation was not the preferred course.
Key defender for Arsenal’s title defence
Saliba was a regular for Arsenal last season, making 50 appearances in all competitions, according to Al Jazeera and Reuters. Arsenal won the Premier League to end a 22-year wait for the title and also reached the Champions League final.
The timing gives Arsenal a defensive concern before the new Premier League season. Al Jazeera and Reuters reported that Arsenal are due to open their title defence at home to promoted Coventry City on August 21.
Saliba’s absence also extends the impact of France’s World Cup campaign on Arsenal’s squad. The club’s statement framed the next step as rehabilitation rather than surgery, with medical staff focused on restoring him to full fitness.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.