football.london take a look at the latest Arsenal injury news and return dates ahead of Mikel Arteta's side kicking off their pre-season campaign
06:00, 23 Jul 2026
Arsenal’s preparations for the new season have already suffered a fresh setback after it was confirmed William Saliba faces 'an extended period' out.
Saliba played with a back problem during France’s run to the World Cup semi-final and, although he will not require an operation, the 25-year-old is set for a spell on the sidelines.
An Arsenal statement confirmed: “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.
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“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.”
And below is a look at the latest Arsenal injury news and return dates ahead of the pre-season friendly against Girona on Saturday, August 1.
William Saliba
Saliba had been managing his back issue through the Gunners’ title-winning season, as he admitted: “I’ve had some minor niggles for several months.
“I’ve been gritting my teeth because there was the Champions League and the Premier League. The World Cup comes round only once every four years, so you’ve got to grit your teeth.”
But following the latest update, the centre-back now looks set to miss the opening games of his side’s Premier League title defence.
Possible return date: Unknown
Jurrien Timber
Timber suffered a groin injury against Everton back in March and that meant he missed his side’s Premier League title winning run-in.
Timber was dropped from Netherlands' World Cup squad due to the injury, despite managing to make an appearance off the bench in the Champions League final against PSG.
When asked about his return earlier this week, Timber said: "Getting there slowly, trying hard, rehabbing during the summer, hopefully back soon."
Possible return date: Unknown
Ben White
White suffered a knee injury during Arsenal's 1-0 Premier League win over West Ham United at the London Stadium in May.
That injury kept him out of the Champions League final and then the World Cup, but he appears to have made a full recovery.
"I've just been training every day, really," White told Arsenal's social media team when asked about his summer, "Knee's all good. Started training back with the team last week."
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Possible return date: Girona