Arsenal has confirmed that defender William Saliba will be unavailable for an extended period after suffering a back injury while representing France at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Injury Details and Medical Assessment
The 25‑year‑old centre‑back had been managing discomfort for several weeks before the tournament. He aggravated the problem during France’s semi‑final defeat to Spain, forcing him off the pitch after just 30 minutes.
After returning to London, Saliba underwent further examinations and was reviewed by a specialist. Arsenal announced that surgery will not be required; instead, the player will begin a carefully managed rehabilitation programme.
Impact on Arsenal’s Upcoming Season
The club did not provide a specific timeline for his return, only stating that he will be out for an “extended period.” As a result, Saliba is expected to miss the Community Shield clash against Manchester City on August 16 and is also likely to be absent for Arsenal’s Premier League opener against newly promoted Coventry City five days later.
Saliba’s absence will be felt early in the new campaign, as he was one of the key figures in Arsenal’s defence last season. He made 50 appearances across all competitions, helping the Gunners end a 22‑year wait for the Premier League title and reach the UEFA Champions League final.
Player’s Own Comments
Prior to the World Cup, Saliba admitted he had been playing through pain for several months, motivated by the importance of Champions League, Premier League and international duties.
The Gunners will continue to monitor his recovery closely, with further updates expected in the coming weeks.
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