Arsenal's William Saliba ruled out for extended period with back injury, avoids surgery

Injury sustained at the World Cup

William Saliba's World Cup ended in the 30th minute of France's semi-final against Spain. The centre-back went down in a seemingly innocuous moment, kicked the ball out of play and called for medical attention before being substituted. France lost the match 2-0. Saliba had been managing a back issue for several weeks and carried the problem into the tournament, having already played through it during Arsenal's title-winning season. He started six of France's seven World Cup matches, only rested for the final group-stage game against Norway. After the semi-final, he sat out the third-place playoff defeat by England.

Arsenal's diagnosis and recovery plan

Upon returning to London, Saliba underwent specialist reviews that confirmed a back injury. Arsenal announced on 22 July that surgery is not recommended and that the defender will begin a managed recovery programme immediately. The club statement said extensive assessments concluded against an operation, and that Saliba's rehabilitation would commence right away with continual management. The expected absence was described only as an "extended period", with no specific timeline given. French outlet L'Equipe reported that had surgery been required, Saliba would have been sidelined for four to five months.

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 played through pain

Earlier in the World Cup, Saliba admitted he had been dealing with minor niggles for months, pushing through to compete in the Champions League, Premier League and the World Cup.

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.

What it means for Arsenal

Saliba was a cornerstone of Arsenal's 2025-26 campaign, making 50 appearances across all competitions and playing the third-most minutes of any outfield player. The club ended a 22-year wait to win the Premier League and also reached the Champions League final. His absence leaves a significant hole in central defence as Mikel Arteta's side prepares for the Community Shield against Manchester City on Sunday, 16 August, and the Premier League title defence opener against promoted Coventry City on 21 August. The Community Shield comes five days before the league opener, giving Arteta little time to adjust.

Other injury worries

Arsenal's England duo Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice also battled prolonged injury problems throughout the World Cup. Both were fit enough to star in the third-place playoff, with Rice opening the scoring and Saka registering a hat-trick.