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Arsenal Confirm William Saliba Injury Blow Before New Season

Published

4 weeks ago

July 23, 2026

William Saliba Injury leaves Arsenal without the France defender for an extended period ahead of the new Premier League season

Arsenal Football Club have confirmed that William Saliba, the France international central defender, will miss the start of the new season after suffering a back injury that has ruled him out for an extended period.

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The Premier League champions announced the setback on Wednesday after the 25-year-old returned to London for specialist assessment following the FIFA World Cup.

The club said surgery will not be required, but Saliba will instead begin a carefully managed rehabilitation programme under Arsenal’s medical team.

While the club did not specify a return date, it described the defender’s absence as an “extended period”, dealing Mikel Arteta a significant early setback ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.

Saliba had been managing the back problem for several weeks before the World Cup but aggravated the injury during France’s semi-final defeat to Spain.

The defender was forced off after only 30 minutes and subsequently missed France’s third-place play-off loss to England.

Speaking during the tournament, Saliba revealed he had continued playing despite persistent discomfort because of the importance of the fixtures.

“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 William Saliba Injury is a major blow for Arsenal after the defender enjoyed another outstanding campaign. Saliba made 50 appearances in all competitions last season as Arteta’s side secured their first Premier League title in 22 years and reached the UEFA Champions League final, further cementing his reputation as one of Europe’s leading central defenders.

The injury means Saliba is expected to miss Arsenal’s Community Shield meeting with Manchester City on 16 August, along with the club’s Premier League opening fixture against newly promoted Coventry City five days later.

His absence could also force Arteta to reshuffle his defensive options during the opening weeks of the campaign while the Frenchman continues his recovery.

Saliba’s latest setback follows an impressive rise since joining Arsenal from Saint-Étienne in 2019.

After gaining valuable experience through loan spells in France, he established himself as an indispensable figure at the heart of Arsenal’s defence and has become a regular starter for the French national team.

His composure, athleticism and leadership have been central to Arsenal’s recent success.

Although Arsenal have avoided the need for surgery, the club will hope a cautious rehabilitation programme allows Saliba to return fully fit later in the season rather than risk aggravating the injury further.