Arsenal face a major early-season setback after key centre-back William Saliba agreed to undergo conservative treatment on a back injury that could sideline him for several months.
The France international was forced off injured in the first half of his country’s 2-0 defeat by Spain in the semi-final of the 2026 World Cup, sparking immediate concern at both club and national-team level.
Saliba, 25, left the pitch around the 30-minute mark, unable to continue because of back pain that has now been confirmed as a chronic issue rather than a one-off problem.
According to French sports daily L’Equipe, Arsenal have reached an agreement with the defender and the French medical staff over how best to manage the injury.
Conservative treatment over surgery
After consultations, Arsenal and Saliba have decided to pursue non-surgical, or conservative, treatment instead of an operation.
This approach will involve an extended period of rest, tailored rehabilitation and ongoing medical monitoring with the aim of easing the persistent back pain that has troubled the defender.
While this route avoids the risks and potential complications of surgery, it is still expected to keep Saliba out for an extended spell. Reports suggest Arsenal fear their influential centre-back could miss between four and five months of action, although the precise length of his absence will depend on how he responds to treatment.
The club has not issued a formal timescale, but the expectation is that he will be unavailable for “several months”, ruling him out of the start of the new Premier League season and a significant portion of Arsenal’s early campaign.
Major setback for club and country
Saliba’s injury represents a serious blow for both Arsenal and France. For Mikel Arteta’s side, the Frenchman has become a cornerstone of the defence, forming one of the Premier League’s most reliable centre-back partnerships.
His absence will force Arsenal to rethink their defensive options ahead of a campaign in which they are again expected to challenge domestically and in Europe. It may also influence the club’s transfer-market priorities, with greater emphasis likely to be placed on securing cover at centre-back.
For the French national team, losing a defender of Saliba’s calibre for months is equally damaging, particularly after a World Cup semi-final exit. The injury not only deprived France of his services at a critical moment in the tournament but could also impact preparations for upcoming international fixtures.
Recovery timeline still uncertain
Although initial estimates point to a four-to-five-month lay-off, medical staff will reassess Saliba’s condition as his rehabilitation progresses.
The focus will be on resolving the underlying back issue rather than rushing him back into action, amid a shared understanding between Arsenal and France that his long-term fitness is the priority.
Until then, both club and country must plan without one of their most important defenders, as Saliba embarks on a lengthy spell of treatment and recovery aimed at ensuring he can return at full strength later in the season.
