Saliba is out for an “extended period” after picking up a back injury for France at the World Cup
Arsenal say defender William Saliba is out for a ‘prolonged period’ with a back injury World Cup for France.
The centre-back will not need surgery on the injury which saw him substituted in the 30th minute of France’s semi-final defeat by Spain, but is likely to miss a large part of Arsenal’s game Major league title defense.
Saliba was one of the standout performers in the Gunners’ title-winning campaign last season, playing 50 times in all competitions.
Arsenal kick off their 2026-27 campaign against Manchester City in the Community Shield on Sunday, August 16, with the Gunners starting their Premier League season against Coventry five days later.
An Arsenal statement said: “William Saliba has returned to us from the World Cup, where he played a vital role in France reaching the semi-finals of the competition.
“Follow-up examinations by specialists on William’s return to London this week confirmed that he has suffered a back injury which will require a period of rehabilitation.
“Extensive assessments have concluded that surgery is not recommended, but William must now begin a program of managed recovery.
“William’s rehabilitation will begin immediately with long-term treatment for his injury and he is expected to be out of action for an extended period.
“Everyone is fully focused on supporting William to get back to full fitness as quickly as possible.”
Saliba injury: Do Arsenal need a new centre-back?
Arsenal already knew they would be without their main centre-back for some time, but news of the length of the absence will almost certainly prompt them to step up their search for a new defender.
Ezri Konza and the unattached John Stones have both been mentioned as potential targets, with Aston Villa reportedly having a £30m bid rejected.
Villa are likely to demand significantly more for the England international, which could make Stones a more viable option, although questions remain over the former Manchester City man’s fitness.
The 32-year-old played five times for the Three Lions at the World Cup, including every minute in the quarter-finals and semi-finals, but he made just five starts for City in the Premier League last season.
