World Cup 2026
William Saliba Facing Surgery Fears As Back Injury Worsens After Champions League Final
William Saliba could face a significant spell on the sidelines after reports revealed that the Arsenal F.C. defender may require back surgery following the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The French centre-back has been managing a persistent back problem for several weeks, but fresh medical assessments suggest that long-term surgical intervention may now be unavoidable.
Saliba Playing Through Pain
Despite the injury concerns, Saliba has continued to perform at an elite level for both club and country.
The 25-year-old recently completed the full 120 minutes of Arsenal’s UEFA Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain F.C., demonstrating his commitment and resilience.
However, reports indicate that the discomfort has intensified since that high-profile encounter, raising fresh concerns about his physical condition.
World Cup Participation Still Expected
Early reports sparked fears that Saliba could face a lengthy absence that might threaten his place in France’s World Cup squad.
Fortunately for France national football team manager Didier Deschamps, follow-up medical examinations reportedly produced encouraging results.
The latest assessments have cleared Saliba to participate in the upcoming World Cup, meaning he remains firmly in France’s plans for the tournament.
That decision will come as a major relief to Les Bleus supporters, given Saliba’s importance to the national team’s defensive setup.
Arsenal Preparing For Possible Absence
While France appear confident Saliba can feature at the World Cup, Arsenal are reportedly preparing for the possibility of losing one of their most important players immediately afterward.
Club officials are understood to have been aware for some time that surgery may become necessary once his international duties conclude.
The procedure is currently expected to take place at the end of the summer.
As a result, there are growing concerns within the club that Saliba could miss the opening weeks of the new Premier League season.
Huge Blow For Arsenal
Since establishing himself as a first-team regular, Saliba has become one of the cornerstones of Arsenal’s defence.
His composure, pace, aerial dominance, and leadership have played a major role in the Gunners’ recent success under Mikel Arteta.
Losing the French defender for any significant period would represent a major challenge for Arsenal as they prepare to defend domestic and European ambitions next season.
Focus Now On The World Cup
For the moment, Saliba’s priority remains helping France compete on football’s biggest stage.
The defender will hope to manage the pain through the tournament before making a final decision on surgery afterward.
Arsenal fans, however, will be watching closely, knowing that the outcome could have a significant impact on the club’s preparations for the 2026/27 campaign.
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