Arsenal star could face surgery after World Cup

William Saliba is reportedly set for surgery after the World Cup, putting the start of the 2026/27 campaign in doubt for the Arsenal defender.

William Saliba of Arsenal kisses the Premier League trophy, as Arsenal are crowned the Champions of the Premier League for the 2025/26 Season, after the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Arsenal at Selhurst Park on May 24, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images For Premier League) — Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images For Premier League

Following reports that William Saliba has been struggling with a back injury in recent weeks, L’Equipe clarify that the problem isn’t currently expected to force him to withdraw from the World Cup.

Saliba has already been playing through pain, and he received treatment during extra time of Arsenal’s Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain. He’ll continue to be managed carefully with France.

But if Saliba does play at the World Cup, L’Equipe report that it will only delay an operation after the tournament.

William Saliba of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team's first goal with Gabriel during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Chelsea at Emirates Stadium on March 01, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) — Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

The French outlet claim a possible medical intervention has been scheduled for later in the summer, with the exact nature of the operation not specified.

According to the same report, Arsenal were already aware that Saliba would likely be unavailable after the World Cup, and that there are concerns he could miss the start of the Premier League campaign in 2026/27.

This is obviously bad news, with Saliba having suffered with back injuries before. He missed around three months of football in 2022/23 with a back problem, his longest absence since joining Arsenal. With any luck, he won’t need that long out of action this time.

William Saliba of Arsenal reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Semi Final First Leg match between Atletico de Madrid and Arsenal FC at Metropolitano Stadium on April 29, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images) — Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images

Saliba made 50 appearances as Arsenal won the Premier League and reached the finals of the Champions League and League Cup this season, and the Gunners have often run into difficulties without him.

The fans will now be sweating on Saliba’s involvement at the World Cup and the outcome of his potential post-season operation.

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