Arsenal are only a few days into their pre-season and the injury problems have already begun for Mikel Arteta. The club have confirmed that William Saliba faces an "extended period" on the sidelines.
The 25-year-old was managing a back problem at the World Cup and had to come off in the first-half of France's semi-final defeat to Spain. Saliba returned to London this week and underwent assessments from specialists, with it decided that surgery would not be required. However, a lengthy period of rehabilitation will be needed and Saliba faces several months out.
Internal options to replace Saliba
Saliba's partnership with Gabriel has been the foundation for Arsenal in recent seasons and Arteta must now find a solution to ensure the Gunners do not make a stumbling start to their Premier League title defence. In terms of options currently available to him, Cristhian Mosquera is the most likely to fill in as the right centre-back. The 22-year-old had an impressive first season in north London and filled in well in the centre of defence when required. Mosquera was increasingly used as a full-back in the latter stages of the season, but he looked more at home at centre-back. He also has the advantage of a full pre-season this summer, having not been at the World Cup.
Piero Hincapie and Riccardo Calafiori can both play at centre-back but would naturally prefer to be on the left rather than the right where Saliba plays. Jurrien Timber is another option, though he is Arteta's first-choice right-back when fit. Ben White can slot in but has not started a match at centre-back for Arsenal since October 2024. Both finished last season with injury concerns. White is back in training after recovering from a knee problem, while Timber hopes to play some part in pre-season.
Transfer targets under consideration
Those fitness issues played a part in Arsenal already wanting to bring in a versatile defender and Saliba's injury is set to intensify the search for a centre-back. While Mosquera is highly-rated at the club, Arteta is keen to add experienced cover. John Stones is being considered. He worked with Arteta for three years at Manchester City and is available as a free agent. Stones has had plenty of injury issues of his own, even if he would add real quality as a squad option. It would be too much to expect the 32-year-old to play three times a week but he has all the qualities Arteta looks for in a centre-back and would be a reliable, experienced head for certain matches.
Arsenal are also interested in Ezri Konsa, though are currently unwilling to match Aston Villa's valuation of around £60million. Konsa had a good World Cup and, like Stones, satisfies Arteta's preference for signing players with Premier League experience. He can also fill in at right-back, a versatility Arteta likes, and that is particularly important with Timber and White's injury history.
Challenge of signing a top centre-back
The challenge for Arsenal trying to sign a top centre-back is that the player knows they will find themselves on the bench for the majority of matches once Saliba returns. Arteta has emphasised the need for a strong squad capable of competing on four fronts for the duration of a season, but that is still a tough sell for a player with ambitions of being a regular starter.
Arsenal's first pre-season friendly against Girona is just a week away and the Premier League opener against Coventry on August 21 is fast approaching. The Gunners are yet to significantly strengthen their title-winning squad and Saliba's injury has increased the pressure to do so. The extended international break in September, stretching three weeks rather than the usual two, will benefit Arsenal and Saliba. That will minimise the games he misses as the Gunners play only five Premier League matches before October 10. However, that opening set of fixtures includes a trip to Villa Park and a London derby at home to Chelsea. If Arsenal are to make a strong start to the season, more efficiency in the transfer window than they have shown so far this summer feels crucial.
