Saliba Set to Miss Rest of 2026 After Back Surgery

Arsenal Star Undergoes Emergency Back Procedure

French defender William Saliba has been forced into back surgery after being substituted during the semi‑final against Spain due to spinal issues. Reports from L’Équipe and The Athletic confirm the procedure will sideline him for roughly four to five months. According to journalist Julien Laurens, Saliba admitted his back “was now completely done for” and that he had been masking pain with strong painkillers.

What the Timeline Means for the Gunners

The 4‑5 month recovery window pushes any return well into 2027, effectively ending his campaign with Arsenal for the remainder of the season. Saliba had been a key figure in the defensive line, and his absence will force Mikel Arteta to reshape the back four. The club’s medical team will manage a careful rehab to avoid further complications.

Broader Impact on Arsenal’s Season

Losing Saliba for the stretch run removes a mature presence who was beginning to show consistency at the back. In recent weeks he had started to translate his talent into reliable performances, which could have been crucial in the chase for silverware. The setback echoes earlier injuries that have stretched Arsenal’s squad depth, highlighting the need for depth in the defensive third.

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