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Rabat – Arsenal have confirmed that French defender William Saliba will be unavailable for an extended period after suffering a back injury during the 2026 World Cup.
Saliba returned to London following France’s campaign in the United States, Canada and Mexico before undergoing detailed examinations with medical specialists.
The assessments confirmed the extent of the back problem but concluded that the 25-year-old would not need surgery. Arsenal said he would immediately begin a managed recovery and rehabilitation program under the supervision of the club’s medical staff.
“William’s rehabilitation will commence immediately, with continual management of his injury, and he is expected to be out of action for an extended period,” Arsenal said.
The Premier League club did not provide a specific recovery timeline, leaving Saliba’s return dependent on his response to treatment.
Injury worsened during World Cup
Saliba had experienced back discomfort during the World Cup and followed an individual training program at different stages of the competition.
The problem worsened during France’s 2-0 semi-final defeat to Spain on July 14. The centre-back was forced to leave the field after approximately 30 minutes and was unavailable for France’s third-place match against England.
He returned to Arsenal after the tournament, where further specialist evaluations determined that rehabilitation without surgery was the most appropriate option.
Although avoiding an operation is positive news for the player, Arsenal’s description of his absence as an “extended period” suggests that he will miss the beginning of the new season.
The defending Premier League champions are scheduled to begin their title defence against newly promoted Coventry City on August 21.
Major setback for Arsenal
Saliba has developed into one of Arsenal’s most important players since establishing himself in Mikel Arteta’s starting lineup during the 2022–2023 season.
His pace, strength and composure have made him a central figure in the club’s defence, while his partnership at centre-back has been an important part of Arsenal’s recent domestic success.
The Frenchman played a major role in the team that won the 2025–2026 Premier League title, with Arsenal describing its defensive spine as one of the foundations of the championship campaign.
His prolonged absence will therefore force Arteta to reorganize his defensive plans during preseason and the opening stages of the campaign.
Arsenal have not indicated whether Saliba’s injury will influence their activity in the summer transfer market.
Arsenal said the club would give Saliba its full support throughout his rehabilitation, but no provisional return date has been announced.
His progress will be closely monitored as the English champions prepare for a new season without one of their most influential defenders.
