Arsenal
As per latest news, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has explained why William Saliba missed the 2026/27 squad photo. The defender is injured, but a new picture is planned.
Why William Saliba was left out of the photo
As reported by The Independent, Arsenal released their squad picture for the new season on Wednesday. Fans quickly noticed that William Saliba was missing from the group, which led to questions across social media. The club later said he had a medical appointment and could not attend the shoot. Arteta then gave a fuller answer, and his explanation focused on scheduling rather than any issue with the player.
The manager said the club tried three times to organise this photo, but each attempt was cancelled late. Commercial duties were in place and people had arrived, so the shoot went ahead without moving around Saliba’s appointment. Arteta said another picture should follow, as the club wants one that includes the whole family.
Saliba’s stats in the 2025-26 season,as per FOTMOB:
Competitions Matches Clean sheets Tackles Successful passes Duels won(%)
Premier League 31 12 35 1,954 56.7%
FA Cup 2 0 1 99 75%
EFL Cup 5 2 11 353 62.2%
UCL 12 7 11 644 49.4%
Saliba’s injury and recovery update
Saliba is dealing with a back injury that flared up while he played for France at the World Cup. He was forced off early in the semi-final defeat to Spain and later missed the third-place play-off. Arteta insisted the defender is in good spirits and has taken the banter from his teammates well. He said William Saliba is aware of the affection around him and had no control over the timing.
Saliba has reportedly returned to training on grass and is doing individual work as part of his recovery. Arteta said Saliba will have another MRI scan next week to check how well the back is healing. The manager described every sign so far as “very, very positive”, but he did not give a return date. As reported by TEAMtalk, Everton on 24 October or the Carabao Cup tie at Fleetwood on 27 October are likelier return dates.
Saliba played 50 times in all competitions last season, as Arsenal won the league and reached the Champions League final. Piero Hincapie is also out for weeks with an ankle injury, which already stretches Arsenal’s options at centre-back. Arsenal also have a Champions League trip to Bayern Munich later this month, so the schedule offers little rest.
Arsenal
What his absence means for Arsenal on the pitch
Saliba anchors Arsenal’s back line, and his pace lets the defence hold a high line. That keeps the team compact and close to the ball, so the press can win it back quickly. Without him, Arsenal’s remaining centre-backs must handle more one-on-one battles against quick forwards on the counter. Arsenal beat Leeds without him earlier this month, but the Premier League gives defenders little time to recover between matches. Without Saliba’s pace, Arsenal may drop the line slightly and protect the space behind, which would change how they press.
The second photo is a minor detail, and the real focus is getting Saliba fit for Arsenal’s title defence. Saliba had been managing the back problem before the World Cup, so Arsenal are right to move with care. A sensible plan would let him rebuild match sharpness through cup minutes or a short spell off the bench. Until then, the champions must show that their football does not depend on one defender.
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