Arsenal brace for months without World Cup defender Saliba

In the early hours of today, Arsenal were reminded that their French centre‑back William Saliba could be unavailable for four to six months after a back injury forced him off in the World Cup semi‑final against Spain. Saliba' collapse on the pitch left the Gunners facing a defensive dilemma as the new season looms. Arsenal are already grappling with defensive concerns ahead of the upcoming campaign. According to Franse media reports, Saliba may miss several months, a scenario the club is factoring into its transfer strategy. The 25‑year‑old defender fell heavily to the ground and was unable to finish the match. He later told teammate Dayot Upamecano that the pain was intolerable and that his back felt "dead". L’Équipe, and The Times all note that Saliba has been battling chronic back pain for months, suppressing the discomfort with painkillers and a modified training regime that continued under the French national team’s medical staff.

Surgery looms for Arsenal’s Saliba as back issue returns from World Cup

De former France coach Didier Deschamps may not have been fully briefed on the severity of the problem, relying mainly on the player’s own reports and the medical team’s assessments, according to the reports. Surgery now appears the most likely solution, which would keep Saliba out of action for the remainder of the World Cup and a substantial portion of Arsenal’s first‑season half. Internally, Arsenal are already discussing defensive reinforcements, assuming a four‑to‑five‑month absence as L’Équipe suggests, while RMC projects up to six months. If the prognosis holds, Saliba will miss a significant chunk of the first half of the Premier League season, forcing the club to adjust its back‑line plans. The club’s injury list also includes Jurriën Timber, who remains sidelined from a separate injury that caused him to miss the World Cup with the Netherlands.