Arsenal and France defender William Saliba is facing the possibility of undergoing back surgery after suffering an injury during France's 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final defeat to Spain. Saliba was forced off early in the 2-0 loss after experiencing significant discomfort.
According to French newspaper L'Équipe, surgery is emerging as the most likely solution to a back problem that had reportedly troubled the defender for some time.
If medical assessments confirm that surgery is required, Arsenal could be without Saliba for four to five months. His absence would be a major setback for Mikel Arteta ahead of the start of the new Premier League season, given the French international's importance to the team's defence.
Saliba was one of Arsenal's standout performers last season, making 50 appearances in all competitions, including playing the full 120 minutes in the UEFA Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain. Should he be ruled out for several months, Arteta may turn to Cristhian Mosquera as a potential partner for Gabriel Magalhães in central defence.
