Arsenal defender William Saliba has stepped up his recovery after being ordered to rest
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JULY 14: William Saliba #17 of France reacts 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 Maddie Meyer - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
William Saliba has been out since the World Cup(Image: Maddie Meyer - FIFA, FIFA via Getty Images)
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William Saliba is taking every precaution in his comeback from injury after the extent of his "suffering" was revealed by a friend. The Arsenal defender had struggled with a back injury since February, but played through the pain barrier, which left him barely able to move for a couple of days after games.
The problem deteriorated during the World Cup, where he reached the semi-finals with Spain. That defeat to the eventual champions was his last game before he entered a lengthy period of rest and rehab.
To pass the time, Saliba has reportedly spent time on his PlayStation, riding his bike and shopping in London in between watching Gunners and France games.
A recent scan confirmed he is progressing well, and it is hoped he will be available to play again in November, although no hard timeframe has been set. A friend of the 25-year-old has outlined the care he is taking over his comeback and the toll the injury has taken on him.
They told L'Equipe: "He knows he has to take his time. He's suffered too much and wants to come back at 100 per cent." The unnamed source added: "He misses it too much."
The report adds that Saliba has been receiving daily treatment and massages. He has progressed positively enough to ditch the bike and take up running again.
Mikel Arteta has admitted Arsenal have been trying for weeks to sign a defender
Mikel Arteta says patience is needed with Saliba(Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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Addressing injury in the summer, Mikel Arteta said the Gunners fans would need to be patient. He said: "He is in rest mode at the moment. He had to do almost nothing, an aggravated injury, so it's going to take some time to heal. We know that."
Saliba's absence has been offset by the arrival of Ezri Konsa, who has taken over as Gabriel's regular centre-back partner. If, as hoped, he returns to action in November, which is punctuated by another international break, he could be available for the home clash with Manchester City on the 29th.
Arsenal are without William Saliba for the Community Shield against Man City.
Saliba could be available to face Manchester City(Image: Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
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The Gunners begin the month with a trip to Liverpool before a Champions League trip to Slavia Prague. Domestic matches against Hull City (home) and Newcastle United (away) follow before a home clash with Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League.
Without Saliba, France - under new boss Zinedine Zidane - have won their opening two Nations League games against Turkey and Belgium. Les Bleus host Italy on Friday night.