Arsenal receive encouraging William Saliba injury update ahead of new season

Arsenal may have received a timely boost ahead of the 2026/27 campaign, with L’Equipe reporting that William Saliba could avoid surgery on the back injury that has troubled him for several months.

The France international has been managing the problem since March, but there were serious concerns before the 2026 World Cup that the injury would prevent him from playing any part in the tournament.

However, Saliba showed remarkable determination by playing through the pain and becoming one of Didier Deschamps’ first-choice centre-backs alongside Dayot Upamecano.

Saliba started six matches for France and played an important role in helping his country reach the semi-finals. 

However, his tournament ended against Spain when he went down without any contact after just half an hour.

The defender immediately signalled that something was wrong with his back before leaving the pitch, raising fears that the injury had become far more serious.

Deschamps later confirmed that Saliba had been dealing with the issue for months and had pushed himself as far as he could. 

While medical examinations showed that the injury had not worsened, the pain had reached a level where continuing was no longer possible. 

Saliba also missed France’s third-place play-off against England. It was feared that surgery would be required after the World Cup, potentially sidelining him for the remainder of the year. 

However, doctors are now leaning towards a non-surgical recovery plan instead.

The proposed treatment would focus on a long-term rehabilitation programme, although the final decision is expected to be made after discussions between Saliba, Arsenal’s medical staff and specialists early next week.

The timing is significant for Arsenal as preparations for the new season are already underway. 

The Gunners begin their pre-season schedule with matches against Girona, Real Betis, Borussia Dortmund and Como, before facing Manchester City in the Community Shield.

Even without surgery, Saliba is still expected to miss at least part of pre-season as he continues his recovery following France’s run to the World Cup semi-finals.