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Arsenal to Assess William Saliba’s Back Injury with Surgery Considered

Arsenal

Arsenal will assess William Saliba's back injury when he returns from World Cup duty, with surgery among the options being considered. The defender ha...

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Editorial graphic: Arsenal to Assess William Saliba’s Back Injury with Surgery Considered. Not a photograph of this event.
Editorial graphic, not a photograph of this event. Background: Empty football field, 2014 · Sonja Guina (CC0), cropped and tinted. Club marks identify the subjects of this report.
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In short

Arsenal will assess William Saliba's back injury when he returns from World Cup duty, with surgery among the options being considered. The defender has been nursing the problem for several weeks, and it was exacerbated during France's semi-final defeat to Spain, forcing him off after 30 minutes. Any operation would likely require a long-term lay-off. Saliba admitted he had been playing through pain to help Arsenal win the Premier League and reach the Champions League final last season, making 50 appearances. The Gunners will evaluate the centre-back thoroughly once he is back in London, with the outcome set to have significant implications for the club's defensive plans heading into the new campaign.

Injury Concerns Mount for Arsenal Defender

Arsenal are set to evaluate William Saliba‘s persistent back problem once the Frenchman returns from World Cup duty, with surgery emerging as a possible solution. The 25-year-old was forced off after just 30 minutes during France’s semi-final defeat to Spain, extending concerns over an issue that has troubled him for weeks.

According to BBC Sport, the Arsenal medical staff will conduct thorough assessments upon Saliba’s arrival back in London. Surgery remains an option, though it would likely entail a lengthy rehabilitation period that could impact the start of the 2026/27 campaign.

Saliba’s World Cup Gamble

Saliba revealed he had been managing “minor niggles for several months” while playing through pain to help Arsenal secure their first Premier League title in 22 years and reach the Champions League final. He told reporters during the tournament:

“I’ve had some minor niggles for several months. 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.”

The defender missed France’s final group match against Norway but returned for the knockout stages. However, his early exit against Spain highlighted the risks of carrying the injury into such intense competition.

What’s Next for Arsenal?

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta will be eager to resolve the situation quickly, given Saliba’s importance. The centre-back made 50 appearances across all competitions last season, establishing himself as a cornerstone of the Gunners’ defence.

Key stats from Saliba’s 2025/26 season:

  • Appearances: 50 (all competitions)
  • Premier League: Winner
  • Champions League: Runner-up

France face England in the third-place play-off on Saturday, though Saliba’s participation is doubtful given the injury. Arsenal fans will hope the assessment delivers positive news, but the prospect of surgery casts a shadow over the club’s post-title celebrations.

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