William Saliba is currently dealing with a back injury and there has been a new update on the Arsenal defender's fitness
10:13, 02 Jun 2026Updated 10:27, 02 Jun 2026
William Saliba of Arsenal
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William Saliba of Arsenal(Image: Rob Newell - CameraSport via Getty Images)
Arsenal have been handed a fresh update on William Saliba’s injury, with reports claiming that the defender could undergo surgery.
The Gunners defender is reported to have been dealing with a back injury for some time, with initial fears earlier this week that he could miss the World Cup with France this summer.
Saliba played a key role in helping Arsenal win the Premier League title and played the full 120 minutes in the Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain at the weekend.
News has since emerged that Saliba has suffered a back injury, with reports suggesting that the Arsenal centre-back’s fitness will be closely monitored by the French national team ahead of this summer’s tournament in North America.
There has now been a new update on Saliba’s injury, which could give Arsenal some concerns heading into next season.
According to French news outlet L’Equipe, Saliba could be forced to undergo surgery on a back injury, which would take place after the World Cup, if required.
It has been claimed that it is yet to be decided if Saliba will need to have surgery on the injury, with the defender said to have been managing the issue during the final weeks of the season with Arsenal.
If Saliba is forced to have surgery on the injury, it would give Arsenal concerns about whether or not the 25-year-old will be available for the start of the Premier League season in August.
Other reports on Tuesday claimed that Saliba is still expected to link up with his France teammates in a training camp ahead of making the trip across the Atlantic for this summer’s World Cup.
Arsenal and France defender William Saliba
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William Saliba will hope to feature for France at this summer's World Cup(Image: Getty Images)
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Didier Deschamps recently gave an update on Saliba when asked about the availability of the Arsenal defender.
“He’s here, everything is fine,” the France boss is quoted telling La Dépêche du Midi.
France will face Senegal on June 16 in New Jersey in their first Group I fixture of the competition, and Saliba appears to face a battle to be available for his country’s opening match.
Deschamps’ side will then travel to Philadelphia to face Iraq on June 22 in their next match, before completing their group stage campaign on June 26 against Norway in Foxborough.
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France will also have two pre-World Cup friendly matches taking place this week, where they will face the Ivory Coast on Thursday before taking on Northern Ireland next Monday.
It remains to be seen at this point if Saliba will feature in either fixture for his country.