When Will William Saliba Return? Arsenal Defender's Recovery Timeline After Back Surgery

After securing the Premier League title last season, Arsenal are aiming even higher for the 2026/27 campaign. The team started strong by beating Manchester City 3-0 in the Community Shield, but injuries remain a concern as they prepare for the months ahead.

One of the biggest questions is about William Saliba, who was crucial in Arsenal's defense last season and is considered among the world's top defenders. He aggravated a back injury during the World Cup semifinal while playing for France against Spain.

The Nature of Saliba's Injury

During the first half of that match, Saliba was seen sitting on the ground needing treatment. Observers noted he told teammates his "back is gone." Reports suggest he played through this injury during the final stages of the Premier League season and the Champions League run.

The exact diagnosis remains unclear. It might be a fracture, slipped disc, nerve problem, or another type of back injury. Saliba himself mentioned having "minor niggles" over several months and admitted to enduring pain to compete in the Champions League, Premier League, and World Cup.

"I've been gritting my teeth because there was the Champions League and the Premier League. The World Cup comes around only once every four years, so you've got to grit your teeth. I'm not at 100%, but there are plenty of players who aren't at 100% either. You can't make excuses," Saliba said.

Projected Return Date

No official return date has been confirmed yet. In July, reports suggested Saliba might be sidelined for up to five months if he chose surgery. However, since he opted against surgery, his comeback could happen sooner.

Mikel Arteta has stated Saliba will definitely miss matches until at least the September international break, pushing his earliest possible return to October, though the absence might extend beyond that.

How Arsenal Are Adjusting Without Saliba

As of mid-August, Arsenal have not made any transfers specifically to replace Saliba. Instead, Arteta plans to rely on backup center-backs Piero Hincapie and Cristhian Mosquera, both of whom gained valuable experience last season.

During the Community Shield win over Manchester City on August 16, Mosquera started on the right side of central defense, suggesting he may hold an edge for that position. Hincapie is more comfortable on the left side, providing flexibility to the back line.

• Key Players Filling In:
• Piero Hincapie: Left-sided central defender
• Cristhian Mosquera: Right-sided central defender