William Saliba injury latest as Arsenal give fresh update on star defender

William Saliba will be out for an ‘extended period’ with a back injury but will not require surgery.

Arsenal confirmed the news in an update on Wednesday after the star defender went off injured during France’s World Cup semi-final defeat to Spain last week.

Getty

While it’s not stated how long Saliba will be sidelined for, the recommendation for him to not have surgery will be a boost for the Gunners.

It had been reported in French media that he could be out until December prior to Arsenal’s announcement.

Arsenal update on Saliba injury

“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,” Arsenal said in a statement.

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

“Extensive assessments have concluded that surgery is not recommended, but William should now commence a managed recovery programme.

“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.”

The Arsenal defender had been following a modified training programme throughout the World Cup in an attempt to manage his back pain.

However, the 25-year-old could manage just 30 minutes of last Tuesday’s 2-0 semi-final loss.

French journalist and regular talkSPORT contributor Julien Laurens claimed following the injury that Saliba could be heard saying, ‘My back is gone’.

Getty

How did Saliba’s injury occur?

The incident during the game occurred with Saliba under no immediate pressure.

Saliba went down and signalled to the bench to be replaced with France already 1-0 down to the 2010 world champions.

The centre-back slowly walked off the pitch, helped by two members of the team’s medical staff.

Deschamps turned to Crystal Palace centre-back Maxence Lacroix as his replacement alongside Dayot Upamecano.

But things went from bad to worse for France as Tottenham’s Pedro Porro doubled Spain’s lead in the 58th minute and booked their place in the final, where they will face Argentina following their dramatic 2-1 comeback win over England.

Saliba was a key figure for the Gunners in the 2025/26 season, helping the club to their first Premier League title in 22 years.

Getty

The Paris-born star had been just as crucial for France en route to the World Cup and during the tournamen, despite nursing a back issue.

He missed the final group stage match against Norway in a bid to preserve his fitness and with France already having booked their place in the last-32.

His back complaint was one that was closely monitored and managed by France’s medical team.

Saliba recently admitted he had been playing with the problem throughout Arsenal’s Champions League tussles and Premier League title run-in.

“I’ve had some minor niggles for several months,” Saliba said during the early stages of the World Cup.

“I’ve been gritting my teeth because there was the Champions League and the Premier League.

Getty

“But the coaching staff are handling it very well. The World Cup comes around only once every four years, so you’ve got to grit your teeth.

“I’m not at 100 percent, but there are plenty of players who aren’t at 100 per cent either. You can’t make excuses.”