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Arsenal to assess Saliba’s back injury after World Cup return
17th July, 2026 10:40 AM
Arsenal will assess William Saliba’s back injury when he reports back to the club after World Cup duty.
The France centre-back has been dogged by a back issue for several weeks and carried the problem into the World Cup.
The issue appeared to be exacerbated during France’s semi-final loss to Spain when he was forced off after just 30 minutes.
Surgey considered
Surgery is among the options that will be considered by the Gunners when he returns to London, though an operation would probably require a long-term lay-off to recover.
The 25-year-old made 50 appearances in all competitions for Arsenal last season, as they ended a 22-year wait to win the Premier League and reached the Champions League final.
Earlier in the World Cup, Saliba said: “I have had some minor niggles for several months.” I have had some minor niggles for several months. I have been gritting my teeth because there was the Champions League and the Premier League. But the coaching staff are handling it very well.”
“The World Cup comes round only once every four years, so you’ve got to grit your teeth.”
Injured
He missed France’s final group game against Norway before returning to Didier Deschamps’ side for the knockout stage.
He was forced off injured 30 minutes into the semifinal clash against Spain as Didier Deschamps suffered a bitter elimination in a 2-0 score line in Boston.
France play England in the third-place play-off on Saturday, July 18, 2026, in Miami, a clash that centre back will miss.
His setback presents fresh concerns to North London. Arsenal’s medical staff will be desperate to receive the full medical details regarding the extent of the injury.
Arsenal’s competitive campaign officially kicks off on August 16, 2026, when the Gunners face Manchester City in the Community Shield.
