23 July 2026
Saliba Returns From World Cup With Back Injury That Sidelines Him
Arsenal face a major defensive headache after William Saliba came back from the World Cup with a back problem requiring an extended rehabilitation spell.
Arsenal have been dealt an early pre-season blow of significant proportions. According to Sky Sports, the club have confirmed that centre-back William Saliba will miss an extended period after returning from the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a back injury. Surgery has been ruled out, but a lengthy rehabilitation programme is ahead for the Frenchman.
Saliba has been one of the most reliable defenders in European football over the past few seasons, and his absence at the start of the campaign will pose real questions for Arsenal's backline. The club did note, in more positive news, that Ben White has returned to pre-season training following his own injury.
The timing is a reminder of the heavy cost the expanded 48-team World Cup, with its greater number of matches and compressed schedule, can place on players from top clubs. Saliba's international commitments have now directly impacted his club's preparations for the new season.
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