Arsenal defender William Saliba to miss 'extended period' through injury picked up during 2026 FIFA World Cup
Updated 22/07/2026 at 22:14 GMT+1
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Arsenal defender William Saliba will be out of action for "an extended period" after suffering an injury during France's 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final defeat to eventual winners Spain, the Premier League champions have confirmed.
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But The Gunners revealed that the 25-year-old, who was an integral part of last season's Premier League title success, will not require surgery.
"Subsequent specialist reviews on William’s return to London this week have confirmed that he has suffered a back injury which will require a period of rehabilitation," read the club's statement.
"Extensive assessments have concluded that surgery is not recommended, but William should now commence a managed recovery programme.
"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.
"Everyone is fully focused on supporting William to ensure he is back to full fitness as soon as possible."
Saliba was forced off in the first half of France's loss to Spain, but he had been managing the back problem prior to the World Cup.
"I’ve had some minor niggles for several month," Saliba said before the tournament.
"I’ve been gritting my teeth because there was the Champions League and the Premier League. But the coaching staff are handling it very well.
"The World Cup comes around only once every four years, so you’ve got to grit your teeth. I’m not at 100%, but there are plenty of players who aren’t at 100% either. You can’t make excuses."
Former France manager Didier Deschamps said that Saliba could no longer deal with the pain after he was withdrawn against Spain.
"He went through some examinations," Deschamps said. "The injury did not worsen. He faced that injury since March. He had some pain and unfortunately the pain was not bearable."
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It remains to be seen when Saliba will return to action for Arsenal in the Community Shield against Manchester City on August 16, live on TNT Sports and HBO Max.
The Gunners begin their Premier League season against newly-promoted Coventry on August 21 and they will be back on TNT Sports and HBO Max when they take on Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on September 12.
With Saliba so influential in a backline that has been famously sturdy under Mikel Arteta, Arsenal could yet delve into the transfer market in search of a short-term replacement.
They have been linked with a move for England international John Stones, who left Manchester City at the end of last season and would be available as a free agent.
If Arsenal do not sign a new centre-back, they could turn to 22-year-old Cristhian Mosquera, who deputised impressively when called upon in his first season at the club.
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