Arsenal have officially confirmed that William Saliba sustained a back injury during the World Cup that will require a significant period of rehabilitation.
The club released a formal statement on Wednesday evening confirming that the 25-year-old defender does not require surgery, but faces an extended spell on the sidelines.
Saliba featured prominently for France throughout the tournament, starting six of their eight games before being forced off during the semi-final against Spain on Tuesday, July 14.
The French international lasted just 30 minutes of that semi-final loss, walking off the pitch with the national team physio before being replaced by Maxence Lacroix.
Arsenal’s statement read: “William Saliba has returned to us from World Cup duty, where he played an integral role in France reaching the semi-finals of the competition.”
The club added: “Extensive assessments have concluded that surgery is not recommended, but William should now commence a managed recovery programme.”
The statement also confirmed that “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.”
France manager Didier Deschamps revealed earlier this month that Saliba had been playing through serious pain since March, making his World Cup contributions all the more remarkable.
Deschamps said ahead of France’s third place play-off with England: “He faced that injury since March. He had some pain and unfortunately the pain was not bearable.”
Saliba had acknowledged earlier in the tournament that he was dealing with some “niggles,” though the true severity only became apparent after he was forced from the field against Spain.
Before the World Cup, the former AS Saint-Etienne defender had made 50 appearances for Arsenal during the 2025/26 season, helping the Gunners claim their first Premier League title in 22 years.
Saliba sat out of France training days before the Spain semi-final, with the persistent back complaint having troubled him throughout the entire tournament in difficult circumstances.
Manager Mikel Arteta will be anxious for his key defender to return swiftly, with Arsenal’s Premier League campaign officially beginning on Friday, August 21 against Coventry City at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners will be without one of their most important players for the season opener, adding a layer of uncertainty to Arsenal’s title defence heading into the new campaign.
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