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.
- ‘It’s time to do it’: Arteta challenges Arsenal to end 14-year wait for league win at AnfieldMikel Arteta has challenged Arsenal to put an unwanted Anfield record behind them as they prepare for Sunday’s trip to Liverpool.
- Arsenal u18s win 10-goal thrillerArsenal Under-18s made it seven wins in a row after a chaotic 10-goal game against Brentford
- Arsenal target 3rd straight win as Slegers demands moreArsenal have won twice in a row after a difficult start, but Renée Slegers says Sunday’s Aston Villa game will show whether that improvement can last.
- Arsenal winger faces final fitness test before Liverpool tripNoni Madueke could still face Liverpool, with Arsenal waiting on one final training session before deciding whether the winger is fit enough to feature.
- Arsenal still unsure on Saka as key injury question emergesMikel Arteta says Arsenal still need more information on Bukayo Saka’s injury, with further checks required before the full extent becomes clear.