William Saliba was forced off during France’s World Cup semi-final defeat to Spain on Tuesday, as his back injury flared up once again.
William Saliba #17 of France walks off the pitch with medical staff after sustaining an injury during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi Final match between France and Spain at Dallas Stadium on July 14, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
William Saliba has been dealing with a back injury throughout the World Cup and throughout most of 2026 so far, and he’s had to miss multiple training sessions with France to be ready for matches.
But the situation came to a head on Tuesday, as he was forced off in the opening half-hour of France’s eventual semi-final defeat to Spain.
Worryingly, Julien Laurens reports that Saliba was saying “my back is gone, my back is gone” as he stopped playing.
Didier Deschamps, Head Coach of France, checks on William Saliba #17 after he comes off with an injury during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi Final match between France and Spain at Dallas Stadium on July 14, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
Technically, Saliba’s World Cup isn’t yet over, as France still have the third-place play-off on Saturday. But realistically, there’s no way the Arsenal man should be involved, and ideally he’ll pull out of the camp completely to focus on his recovery.
Football insider HandofArsenal is one of a few sources to suggest that Saliba may need some sort of medical procedure to fully heal, which could put the start of his 2026/27 campaign in doubt.
It’s now just one month and one day until Arsenal play against Manchester City in the Community Shield, and in all likelihood, Saliba won’t be involved in that match.
William Saliba of Arsenal kisses the Premier League trophy, as Arsenal are crowned the Champions of the Premier League for the 2025/26 Season, after the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Arsenal at Selhurst Park on May 24, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images For Premier League)
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images For Premier League
Saliba previously missed around three months of football in 2022/23 with a back problem, his longest absence since joining Arsenal.
The defender made 50 appearances as Arsenal won the Premier League and reached the finals of the Champions League and League Cup this season, and the Gunners have often run into difficulties without him.
But if the defender isn’t able to stand the pain for a World Cup semi-final, there’s clearly a big issue that needs fixing, even if that requires some time out.
William Saliba of Arsenal celebrates after the team's victory in the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Quarter-Final First Leg match between Sporting Clube de Portugal and Arsenal FC at Estadio Jose Alvalade on April 07, 2026 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
What Saliba said before France injury substitution
William Saliba was forced off during France’s World Cup semi-final defeat to Spain on Tuesday, as his back injury flared up once again.
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