Arsenal have been handed a concerning update on William Saliba's fitness, with reports suggesting the defender may require surgery for a back problem. The 25-year-old has been managing the issue throughout the closing weeks of the season, and a procedure could cast doubt on his availability for the start of the 2026/27 Premier League campaign.
According to French outlet L’Equipe, Saliba may be forced to undergo surgery after the World Cup, should it prove necessary. It remains unclear at this stage whether an operation will ultimately be required, with the defender reported to have been playing through the problem.
Saliba was instrumental in helping Arsenal clinch the Premier League title and featured for the full 120 minutes in the Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. France manager Didier Deschamps moved to ease concerns, stating: 'He's here, everything is fine.'
Saliba is still expected to join up with the French squad for a training camp ahead of the World Cup in North America. Les Bleus open their Group I campaign against Senegal on June 16.
