Arsenal have released their official squad photo for the 2026/27 season.
The Gunners have a formidable squad. Their depth is arguably the best in Europe, which is why they are the favourites to win both the Premier League and Champions League.
Arsenal’s biggest strength over the last few years has been their defence, and that will once again be crucial as they aim to get over the line in every competition.
However, in their official squad picture, their best defender is nowhere to be seen.
A graphic of Arsenal's squad depth for the 2026/27 season
Credit: TalkingPoints by GRV Media
Arsenal fans react as William Saliba is missing from the 2026/27 squad photo
William Saliba was nowhere to be seen in Arsenal’s official squad photo for the 2026/27 season.
The Gunners confirmed on X that the Frenchman had a doctor’s appointment at the same time and missed the photoshoot as a result.
That seems to have angered Arsenal fans, who want this picture scrapped and a new one taken with their star centre-back present with the rest of his teammates.
One supporter tweeted: “You should have waited for Saliba to be done with his medical appointment before doing this photoshoot. It’s so rude that he’s not here! Nonsense!”
Another wrote: “How could you leave William Saliba out of the squad photos? Can’t even leave the space and photoshop him into it or something without us having to know? Not good enough!”
“I mean, come on!! Why would you do this picture without Saliba??? Surely, surely they could have just done it on a day he was actually there? Such a shame,” said another.
Another Gooner reacted by saying: “I cannot believe they have done this without Saliba. That is absolutely unacceptable.”
“Nah, what the hell is this? Retake the photo with Wilo now,” wrote another.
William Saliba injury update
The Frenchman played a big part of the 2025/26 season in pain, just to help Arsenal win the Premier League title. That is one of many reasons why fans love him so much.
Saliba hasn’t played a minute of football yet this season, but he is slowly nearing his return, having been pictured at the Sobha Realty Training Centre earlier this week.
“Now it’s been over a week, I think (since he has been out on the grass),” Arteta said before the win over Lille.
“Obviously, we’re managing that load and how many repetitions and sessions in a row he can do. But he’s building his capacity to good standards now, and let’s see in the next few weeks if we can start to introduce him to the team to see where we are, to make him available for the squad.”