Arsenal's Saliba Faces Long-Term Absence After Back Surgery

William Saliba, Arsenal's defensive standout, faces a major setback following a recent injury. Reports from both L’Équipe and The Athletic reveal that he requires back surgery, forcing him to miss a significant stretch of play.

Saliba was already forced off during the World Cup semi-final against Spain due to persistent back issues. French journalist Julien Laurens shared that Saliba admitted his back was in dire condition and had been relying on strong painkillers before the decision for surgery was made.

The operation is expected to keep Saliba sidelined for approximately four to five months, which means he probably won't return to action with Arsenal until sometime in 2027.

This injury news comes as a blow for the club and fans alike, considering Saliba’s key role in defense.