William Saliba has reportedly reached a decision on the treatment of the back injury that has overshadowed recent months, but Arsenal still face an anxious wait over his return.
William Saliba has reportedly decided against surgery after speaking with Arsenal, with the defender instead set for a prolonged period of rehabilitation due to the back injury that has troubled him for months.
According to L’Equipe, Saliba waited until speaking with Arsenal’s management before making a final decision on how to treat the problem that ended his World Cup.
The France international has now opted against an operation, despite earlier concerns that surgery could be required.
The report adds that Saliba will instead undergo an extended period of treatment and rest.
While no definitive timetable has been set for his return, his absence is expected to last several months and will, of course, depend on how his recovery progresses.
The injury came to a head during France’s World Cup semi-final defeat to Spain, when Saliba went down unchallenged after around half an hour, clutching his lower back before being substituted.
The 25-year-old later revealed he had been carrying the problem throughout a demanding campaign.
“I’ve had some minor discomfort for several months,” he said. “I gritted my teeth because of the Champions League and the Premier League. The World Cup only comes around every four years, so you have to grit your teeth.”
The issue had already cast doubt over his availability for the start of Arsenal’s 2026-27 campaign, with reports before the tournament suggesting an operation was a possibility.
France carefully managed Saliba’s workload during the competition, resting him from training sessions and leaving him out of the final group match against Norway, while Didier Deschamps repeatedly acknowledged his defender was short of full fitness.
Following the semi-final, Deschamps confirmed the severity of the situation.
“William Saliba got injured and it’s problematic… He faced that injury since March… He had some pain and unfortunately the pain was not bearable.”
Current estimates indicate he could be out for as long as five months, potentially delaying his return until December, although L’Equipe’s latest report indicates the decision to avoid surgery leaves the exact timescale dependent on how he responds to treatment.
Reports in France have noted that Saliba has suffered from back problems since he was a child.
- Which Arsenal players could be called up for the u-20 Women’s World Cup?Which Arsenal youngsters could play at the Under-20 Women’s World Cup? England selection, injury updates and club release decisions all matter.
- Arsenal make decision on Salmon loanArsenal’s Marli Salmon will become eligible for a loan move later this month, but the Gunners are planning to hold onto him until at least January.
- Arsenal youngster signs for Swansea CityKaleab Meron has signed for Swansea City after coming to the end of his youth contract with Arsenal.
- How Vinicius really felt about Arsenal transferVinicius Junior was genuinely keen on a move to Arsenal and his camp were pleased by the Gunners’ approach, but his desire to remain with Real Madrid ultimately won out.
- Manchester United lead Arsenal in race for Leicester signingManchester United are leading the race to sign Louis Page from Leicester City, despite Arsenal showing an interest in the young midfielder.