William Saliba injury: Arsenal confirm France international will miss ‘extended period’ with back problem football news

Arsenal have confirmed William Saliba will be sidelined for a long time with a back injury.

However, a club statement said the France international central defender is not expected to undergo surgery.

Saliba was substituted in the 30th minute of France’s World Cup semi-final loss to Spain.

“William Saliba returns to us from World Cup duty, where he played an integral role in helping France reach the semi-finals of the competition,” Arsenal’s statement read.

“Specialist reviews following William’s return to London this week confirmed that he has suffered a back injury which will require a period of rehabilitation.

“Extensive assessment has concluded that surgery is not recommended, but William should now begin a managed recovery program.

“William’s rehabilitation will begin immediately, with continued management of his injury, and he is expected to be out of action for an extended period of time.

“Everyone is fully focused on supporting William to ensure he is back to full fitness as quickly as possible.”

Who can fill Saliba’s absence?

In more positive news for Arsenal, Ben White Returned to pre-season training after picking up a knee injury in May.

England international Picked up the injury during the crucial 1-0 win against West Ham In the Gunners’ third-to-last game of the 2025/26 Premier League season. He was later ruled out of the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain.

Jurien Timber But he is still rehabilitating from the groin injury that kept him out of the World Cup. The defender said he would “hopefully be back soon”.

Christian Mosquera And Ricardo Calafiori Also returned for pre-season and can fill in at centre-back if required.

Piero Hincapie Ecuador is expected to return to training within the next week following its round of 32 elimination from the World Cup. Saliba’s partner in crime Gabriel Magalhaise Also expected to join the rest of the squad soon.