Arsenal issue William Saliba surgery update after back injury curtails World Cup campaign | OneFootball

Frenchman has been playing through injury for months before pain became ‘unbearable’

William Saliba will not undergo surgery on his long-standing back injury, Arsenal has confirmed.

The centre-back had been playing through a back injury for several months but eventually succumbed to what head coach Didier Deschamps described as “unbearable” pain.

Reports in France released during the tournament suggested Saliba was considering surgery on the issue, but Arsenal have now confirmed he will not go under the knife.

He has joined back up with Arsenal and will require a lengthy period of rehabilitation.

A club statement read: “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.

William Saliba is facing a considerable spell on the sidelines

AFP/Getty

“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.”

It is not immediately clear how long Saliba will remain sidelined, but the expectation is that he could miss several months.

Saliba’s injury woes came to a head in the World Cup semi-final defeat by Spain, where he hobbled off after just 29 minutes to be replaced by Maxence Lacroix.

William Saliba was a key player in Aresenal’s historic 2025/26 campaign

AFP/Getty

Speaking at full time, Deschamps explained: “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.”

Arsenal have been linked with a move for free agent John Stones since the news of Saliba’s injury landed. Mikel Arteta is known to be a fan of the player after they worked together at Manchester City. There is also thought to be interest in Ezri Konsa.

Saliba has previous with back problems. It was a back injury which ended his 2022/23 campaign early, ruling him out from mid-March to the end of the season.

The Frenchman’s absence is a considerable blow for Arteta and Arsenal as they prepare to defend their Premier League title. Saliba was a keystone member of the side last season, making a staggering 50 appearances as the Gunners won the league and reached the final in both the Carabao Cup and Champions League.