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Arsenal defender William Saliba may be forced to undergo back surgery immediately after the upcoming World Cup as his ongoing physical discomfort continues to intensify.
Despite successfully managing the problem to play a starring role for the Gunners, the latest medical assessments suggest the centre-back requires long-term surgery.
Gunners Star deals with discomfort
According to reports from L’EquipeArsenal centre-back Saliba could be set for back surgery following his international commitments this summer. The 25-year-old defender has been dealing with an ongoing back problem for several weeks.
Although the injury did not prevent him from completing the full 120 minutes in Saturday’s UEFA Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain, the pain has reportedly worsened since the spectacular event.
WC place preserved
Initial assessments from Foot Mercato sparked fears the defender faced a lengthy layoff, which would have put his place in Didier Deschamps’ plans in serious jeopardy.
While Saliba’s representatives expressed considerable concern over the setback, the French national team’s medical staff remained far more optimistic.
Crucially, a subsequent round of medical tests carried out on Monday returned positive results, clearing the centre-back to take part in the upcoming tournament.
The club is aware of layoffs
Arsenal officials were already aware that they would probably not be able to count on the reliable defender straight after the tournament.
The Premier League champions understand the necessary operation is tentatively scheduled for the end of the summer.
While Saliba is expected to represent Les Bleusthere are now significant internal concerns at the Emirates Stadium that he will miss the start of the next domestic campaign.
Global Tournament Challenge weavers
Saliba, who made 50 appearances during Arsenal’s title-winning campaign, will now focus on his second global tournament with France after previously featuring at Qatar 2022.
He joins Dayot Upamecano, Ibrahima Konate and Maxence Lacroix as Deschamps’ chosen central defensive options. Les Bleus open their Group I campaign against Senegal on June 16, an encounter that evokes memories of their infamous 1-0 defeat in 2002.
2026 FIFA World Cup: How to watch
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will run from June 11 to July 19, 2026. Spread over three countries, the tournament will culminate with the final on July 19 at the New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. All 104 tournament games will be broadcast live across FOX (70) and FS1 (34) with every game streaming live and on-demand on both FOX One and the FOX Sports app. A record 40 games, more than a third of the tournament, are televised in prime time across FOX (21) and FS1 (19).
The June 11 opener between Mexico and South Africa (3 p.m. ET) will stream for free on Tubi, as will the USA’s June 12 opener against Paraguay (9 p.m. ET).
