Arsenal international misses pre-World Cup training with ongoing injury

William Saliba has now missed multiple France training sessions, in a worrying sign following previous reports on his ongoing injury problem.

William Saliba of Arsenal and Alexander Sorloth of Atletico de Madrid challenge for the ball during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Semi Final Second Leg match between Arsenal FC and Atletico de Madrid at Arsenal Stadium on May 05, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) — Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

L’Equipe report that William Saliba has now missed both of France’s training sessions since arriving in Boston ahead of the World Cup.

Didier Deschamps squad held training on Thursday and Friday, and Saliba didn’t take part on either occasion. Saliba was present to do laps of the pitch alongside Adrien Rabiot, but he didn’t participate in the group session with the rest of the squad.

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 07: William Saliba of Arsenal warms up prior to the Premier League match between Arsenal and Sunderland at Emirates Stadium on February 07, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images) — Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images

The positive spin on this news is that Saliba is still fit enough to take part in individual training, and that France are clearly taking care with him to avoid aggravating his issue.

Previous reports had confirmed that the defender has been struggling with a back injury in recent weeks, and though he isn’t expected to withdraw from the World Cup, he needs to be managed carefully, and he may require an operation after the tournament.

The exact nature of the operation has never been specified, but Arsenal are reportedly aware that Saliba may miss the start of the 2026/27 Premier League campaign.

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

Saliba previously missed around three months of football in 2022/23 with a back problem, his longest absence since joining Arsenal.

The defender 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.

William Saliba of Arsenal celebrates after the team's victory in the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Quarter-Final First Leg match between Sporting Clube de Portugal and Arsenal FC at Estadio Jose Alvalade on April 07, 2026 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) — Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

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