Arsenal defender Saliba sidelined for ‘extended period’ due to back injury

What the report says

Al Jazeera, citing its staff and Reuters, reported that Arsenal centre back William Saliba is set for a lengthy spell out after sustaining a back injury while on France duty at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Arsenal said the defender has returned to London for specialist evaluation and will begin rehabilitation, but medical assessments did not recommend surgery.

According to the report, Saliba had been affected by the problem during the tournament in North America, which restricted his training. He was taken off in the first half of France’s 2-0 semifinal defeat to Spain and did not play in the third-place match, which France lost 6-4 to England. Arsenal said its focus is on helping him return to full fitness through a managed recovery programme.

The injury is a significant setback for Arsenal ahead of the new domestic season. Saliba was a major part of the North London club’s campaign last season, making 50 appearances in all competitions as Arsenal won the Premier League for the first time in 22 years and reached the Champions League final.

Al Jazeera reported that Arsenal are scheduled to open their Premier League title defence at home against promoted Coventry City on August 21. The club’s statement did not give a precise recovery timeline, so the extent of Saliba’s absence remains unclear beyond Arsenal’s description of an extended period.