Arsenal confirm William Saliba sidelined for "an extended period" with back injury

Arsenal have confirmed that William Saliba will be sidelined for "an extended period" because of a back injury. The club added the problem will not require an operation.

The 25-year-old centre-back had been playing through a back issue during France’s run to the World Cup semi-final. Saliba was forced off after just 30 minutes of France’s last-four defeat by Spain. The absence represents a notable setback for the Premier League champions.

The club statement made clear the injury does not need surgery and that Saliba will be out of action for a prolonged spell. Arsenal offered no specific timetable for his recovery in their announcement. The defender’s enforced layoff follows the role he played in France’s deep tournament run.

Saliba’s removal from the Spain match came early in the contest, curtailing his contribution to Les Bleus in the decisive fixture. That appearance capped a World Cup campaign in which he had continued despite the underlying back problem. His enforced break now shifts attention back to Arsenal’s squad planning for the coming period.

Medical staff at Arsenal will oversee the defender’s rehabilitation while the club manages his absence from first-team duties. The confirmation that surgery is unnecessary means treatment will be non-operative and managed within the club’s facilities. The club’s wording underlined the length of the layoff without specifying a return date.

Arsenal, champions of the Premier League, face the task of covering for Saliba while he recovers. His injury will remove a key defensive option as preparations continue for the new season. The club will provide updates as the player progresses through his recovery.

The announcement leaves Arsenal and France without a clear timeframe for Saliba’s comeback but establishes that an operation will not be required. The defender’s recovery period and eventual return will be watched closely by both his club and national side.