Arsenal confirms that their top defensive pillar will be sidelined for a long term.

Arsenal has confirmed that William Saliba will be out for an extended period due to a back injury sustained at the 2026 World Cup. Although surgery is not required, the absence of the French center-back is a significant blow to manager Mikel Arteta ahead of the new season.

Arsenal received unwelcome news as key center-back William Saliba will be forced to sit out for an extended period. due to a back injury suffered at the 2026 World Cup. However, there is a positive note for the Emirates Stadium side as the French international does not require surgery.

In an official statement, Arsenal said that Saliba underwent thorough examinations immediately after returning to London from the French national team. The results confirmed that the 25-year-old defender has a back injury and will undergo an extended treatment and rehabilitation program under the supervision of the medical staff.

Saliba sustained the injury in the World Cup semi-final between France and Spain. He suddenly collapsed on the pitch without any contact and was forced to leave the field, immediately raising concerns among Arsenal's coaching staff about the possibility of him missing the entire season.

However, after several consultations, doctors concluded that Saliba's injury does not require surgical intervention.

Earlier, the French center-back himself revealed that he had been playing with back pain for several months. "I have been dealing with small issues for months. I had to grit my teeth and play because there was the Champions League, the Premier League, and then the World Cup. I wasn't at 100% fitness, but many other players weren't either. I don't want to use that as an excuse." Saliba shared during the tournament.

Last season, Saliba continued to prove his irreplaceable role in Mikel Arteta's system, making 50 appearances across all competitions. He played a key part in helping Arsenal successfully defend the Premier League title and reach the Champions League final for the first time in many years.

Saliba's absence will pose a major challenge for Arsenal ahead of the 2026/27 season. The French defender is likely to miss the Community Shield match against Manchester City as well as the early stages of the Premier League.

Nevertheless, the fact that surgery is not required gives hope that Saliba could return sooner than expected. During this period, Arteta will have to rely on Gabriel Magalhaes, Jurrien Timber, and other backup options to maintain defensive solidity as Arsenal embarks on their title defense campaign.