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Arsenal have confirmed that defender William Saliba will be out for an extended period after sustaining a back injury while representing France at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The centre-back had been managing the injury before the tournament but aggravated it during France’s semi-final defeat to Spain, forcing him off in the opening half.
Following further medical assessment after his return to London, Arsenal confirmed that Saliba will not require surgery.
Instead, the 25-year-old will undergo a carefully managed rehabilitation programme as he works towards full fitness.
The injury also ruled Saliba out of France’s third-place play-off against England, with the Gunners now set to be without one of their key defenders for an extended spell.
Speaking earlier during the World Cup, Saliba admitted he had been playing through the pain to help both club and country.
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“I’ve had some minor niggles for several months,” he said. “I’ve been gritting my teeth because there was the Champions League and the Premier League. The World Cup comes round only once every four years, so you’ve got to grit your teeth.”
Saliba was a key figure for Arsenal last season, making 50 appearances in all competitions as Mikel Arteta’s side ended a 22-year wait to win the Premier League title and reached the UEFA Champions League final.
His absence is a significant setback for Arsenal ahead of the new campaign.
The defender is expected to miss the Community Shield clash against Manchester City on August 16, as well as the Gunners’ Premier League opener against newly promoted Coventry City five days later.
The club has not provided a timeline for Saliba’s return but described his expected absence as an “extended period.”
