Arsenal have been dealt a major blow after it emerged that William Saliba could be absent until 2027 due to a back injury.
The central defender has been one of the top stars for the Gunners in recent years, establishing a sensational partnership alongside Gabriel Magalhaes in the centre of defence to help the north London club claim the Premier League title last season.
He was also a starter for France at the World Cup this summer, but his tournament was brought to an abrupt end after he went down injured in the first-half of their semi-final defeat to Spain and was forced off. Now, the extent of that injury has been revealed.
Saliba Set for Extended Spell Out
William SalibaStephane Mahe via Reuters
Saliba, who has been described as 'world-class', emerged as a major doubt for the tournament this summer after he picked up an injury during the Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.
But Saliba decided to play through the pain barrier, taking painkillers and injections, before it became too much for him. The 25-year-old was spotted telling Dayot Upamecano about his injury before being substituted, saying; "I can't take it anymore, my back is gone."
Now, according to L'Equipe, Saliba looks set to undergo back surgery as a result of the injury and playing through the pain, and could miss up to five months of action as a result.
Depending on when the surgery takes place, plus the final recovery time, it's possible that Saliba could miss the entire first half of the season, and only become available for selection again in January 2027, in what would be a huge blow to Arteta and Arsenal.
Arsenal have been linked with an interest in Aston Villa and England star Ezri Konsa this summer, and that could now be accelerated as a result of this injury.
Fees correct prior to summer 2026
All 10 found — excellent!
Arsenal Must Find Solutions
William Saliba of Arsenal on the ball
William Saliba of Arsenal during the Premier League match Everton vs Arsenal at Hill Dickinson Stadium, Liverpool, United Kingdom, 20th December 2025 (Photo by Alfie Cosgrove/News Images)
Arsenal losing Saliba would be a major blow, but it's down to Arteta to use his squad properly to find solutions to replace him, rather than just jumping into the transfer market.
Alongside Saliba, Arsenal have Gabriel, Riccardo Calafiori, Piero Hincapie, and Ben White who are all capable of playing in central defence, while Jurrien Timber, and Myles Lewis-Skelly can cover the full-back positions should they be needed in the middle instead.
If Arsenal can find a way to continue their dominance without a player who is arguably the best in the world in his position, then they will be in terrific stead to make history and be in the conversation for silverware once more.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta before the match against Burnley. Related
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