Arsenal have confirmed that William Saliba will not require surgery for his back injury but is expected to spend an extended period away from action.
The French defender was substituted in the 30th minute of France’s World Cup semi-final defeat to Spain.
Following his return to London, Saliba underwent specialist examinations, which confirmed the extent of his injury.
“William Saliba has returned to us from World Cup duty, where he played an integral role in France reaching the semi-finals of the competition,” the Arsenal statement reads (via Sky Sports).
“Subsequent 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.
“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.”
Arsenal, however, received a boost with Ben White returning to pre-season training after recovering from a knee injury sustained in May.
The England international suffered the injury during Arsenal’s crucial 1-0 victory over West Ham in their third-to-last Premier League match of the 2025/26 season. He subsequently missed the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain.
Jurrien Timber remains in rehabilitation after the groin injury that ruled him out of the World Cup. The defender has said he is “hopefully back soon”.
Cristhian Mosquera and Riccardo Calafiori have also returned to pre-season training and could provide cover at centre-back if needed.
Piero Hincapie is expected to resume training within the next week following Ecuador’s elimination from the World Cup in the Round of 32.
Saliba’s regular defensive partner, Gabriel Magalhaes, is also expected to rejoin the rest of the Arsenal squad soon.