Arsenal face months without Saliba as surgery looms at Emirates

Inside the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal medical staff gathered around centre‑back William Saliba as he was examined on the pitch. The club now expects a four‑to‑five‑month lay‑off if surgery becomes necessary, a scenario first outlined in a report from France.

The report notes that Saliba has struggled with back issues throughout the season, prompting the club to anticipate a prolonged absence should an operation be required. Arsenal’s hierarchy have already communicated to potential targets that the defender may miss four or five months.

Hugo Delom reports for L’Equipe that further tests are planned to clarify the exact nature of Saliba’s back problem, with no definitive decision taken yet. The club remains cautious while the injury is still under assessment.

Surgery is becoming increasingly likely, and such a procedure would keep Saliba out for several months. L’Equipe adds that the final recovery period will depend on the treatment ultimately chosen.

If additional testing suggests surgery can be avoided, Saliba could return much sooner than the projected timeline. This uncertainty leaves the club weighing medical options carefully.

According to the same report, Saliba told teammate Dayot Upamecano, “I can’t take it anymore, my back is dead,” before being substituted in France’s semi‑final match. The comment underscored the severity of his discomfort.

Arsenal may use the injury situation in transfer negotiations, hoping to attract a higher‑calibre centre‑back who would enjoy months of regular football before competing with the France international. The club believes this could make a new signing more appealing despite the temporary loss.

Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes have formed one of the world’s best defensive partnerships, a factor that could make a move to Arsenal less attractive. Yet with Saliba potentially out for a while, that concern may be mitigated.

Even if Arsenal secure a top signing at centre‑back, it is unlikely the newcomer will match Saliba’s level. The Gunners want him back fit and available as soon as medically safe.

Photo by Kevin C. Cox/ Getty Images.