Arsenal defender William Saliba will be sidelined for an extended period after sustaining a back injury while representing France at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.
Recovery and Outlook
Medical scans have ruled out the need for surgery, and Saliba will follow a structured rehabilitation program overseen by Arsenal’s medical staff as he works toward full fitness.
The setback comes after a season in which Saliba made 50 appearances, helping Arsenal clinch the Premier League title and reach the Champions League final.
Arsenal are set to begin their title defence against Coventry City on 21 August, a match that will test the depth of the squad in Saliba’s absence.
Coach Mikel Arteta has stressed the importance of managing the defender’s workload, while French national team manager Didier Deschamps is expected to monitor his progress during the recovery phase.