Arsenal face a major defensive blow as William Saliba is set to miss up to five months following a back injury sustained in France’s World Cup semi-final loss to Spain, according to L’Equipe.
The 25-year-old centre-back lasted just 30 minutes of Tuesday’s 2-0 defeat before signaling for a substitution, reportedly telling medical staff, “My back is gone,” per French journalist Julien Laurens.
Saliba had been managing the chronic issue throughout the tournament with a modified training program and even sat out France’s final group match against Norway.
He recently acknowledged playing through the pain during Arsenal’s Champions League and Premier League title run-in.
Now, surgery is expected to address the long-standing problem, with the Gunners fearing a return no earlier than December.
Didier Deschamps replaced Saliba with Crystal Palace’s Maxence Lacroix, but Spain advanced to the final on goals from Pedro Porro and an earlier strike.
The former Marseille loanee was instrumental in Arsenal’s first Premier League title in 22 years during the 2025/26 season and had been equally vital for France en route to the World Cup knockout stages.
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