Arsenal release William Saliba injury statement as surgery plan confirmed

The latest on William Saliba’s injury as Arsenal release a statement on the defender following his participation at the World Cup with France

Arsenal have confirmed William Saliba has suffered a back injury that will “require a period of rehabilitation”, although the Frenchman will not need surgery.

The defender could only manage 30 minutes of France’s World Cup semi-final loss to Spain on Tuesday, July 14, with the 25-year-old walking off the pitch alongside the national team physio and replaced by Maxence Lacroix. Just days earlier the centre-back sat out of training due to the persistent back issue which plagued him all tournament.

In a statement published on Wednesday evening, Arsenal confirmed that Saliba does not require surgery to resolve the issue. He is, however, “expected to be out of action for an extended period”.

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The statement reads: “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.

“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.”

Saliba started six of France’s eight World Cup games, sitting out the last group stage game against Norway and the third place play-off against England. Before going to the World Cup the former AS Saint-Etienne man had featured 50 times for Arsenal during the 2025/26 season, helping the Gunners win their first Premier League title in 22 years.

Didier Deschamps revealed earlier this month that Saliba had been playing in agony since March. Deschamps, talking ahead of France’s third place play-off with England, said: “William Saliba got injured and it’s problematic.

“He went through some examinations. The injury did not worsen. He faced that injury since March. He had some pain and unfortunately the pain was not bearable.”

Saliba did admit earlier in the tournament that he had been suffering from some “niggles” but the severity of the injury only become clear after the Spain game when Deschamps said the pain was too much for him to carry on.

Mikel Arteta will now hope the defender is not out for too long, with the Gunners’ season officially starting on Friday, August 21 when Coventry City make the trip to the Emirates Stadium for the Premier League season opener.