William Saliba's Back Injury Concerns Ahead of 2026 World Cup
French national team defender William Saliba has returned to training after a back injury sustained during the Champions League final, but admits he is not fully fit. His return is a relief for coach Didier Deschamps, as France’s defense struggled without him. Saliba is expected to play in the final pre-World Cup friendly against Northern Ireland and the World Cup opener against Senegal, though his persistent pain raises concerns about his performance and France’s defensive stability.
Editorial summary awaiting refresh
Cross-source coverage
Wire timeline
Mirror: Saliba Has Been Playing with Back Injury Since March, May Undergo Surgery and Miss Five Months
According to a report by Mirror chief reporter John Cross, France coach Didier Deschamps revealed that Arsenal center-back William Saliba has been playing through a back injury since March. Saliba suffered 'unbearable' back pain during the World Cup and limped off in the semi-final against Spain. He may require surgery for a back fracture, similar to an injury from the 2022/23 season, potentially sidelining him for five months. This is a heavy blow for Arsenal's Premier League title defense. Arsenal has not released a recovery timeline, but French media expect a long absence. The report also notes other Arsenal players like Rice and Saka have long-term injury concerns. Separately, Deschamps will coach his final match for France against England, ending a 15-year tenure.
虎扑 - 足球Didier Deschamps reveals William Saliba's injury nightmare as Arsenal star faces months on the sidelines
France manager Didier Deschamps disclosed that Arsenal defender William Saliba has been playing with a back injury since March, which became unbearable during the World Cup semi-final against Spain. Saliba is now facing up to five months on the sidelines, potentially requiring surgery for a fractured back similar to an injury he suffered in the 2022/23 season. The injury is a major blow for Arsenal as they prepare to defend their Premier League title. Deschamps also noted that other Arsenal players, including Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka, entered the World Cup with long-term injury concerns due to an exhausting season. Deschamps confirmed this will be his last match in charge of France, ahead of the third-place play-off against England.
Mirror - FootballArsenal to assess William Saliba's back injury with surgery an option
Arsenal will assess William Saliba's back injury when he returns from World Cup duty, with surgery being considered as a potential treatment option. The 25-year-old France centre-back has been struggling with a back issue for several weeks, which worsened during France's semi-final loss to Spain when he was forced off after 30 minutes. Saliba admitted he had been 'gritting his teeth' through the pain during the Premier League and Champions League campaigns. He missed France's final group game against Norway but returned for the knockout stage. An operation would likely require a long-term lay-off. Saliba made 50 appearances last season as Arsenal won the Premier League and reached the Champions League final. France will play England in the third-place play-off on Saturday.
BBC SportRMC: Saliba Played World Cup with Back Fracture, Faces Long Recovery
According to RMC Sport, Arsenal defender William Saliba suffered a back fracture during the 2026 World Cup semi-final, where France lost 0-2 to Spain. The injury had already occurred in a Premier League match two months before the tournament. Saliba gritted his teeth and played through the pain, relying on painkillers and daily specialized treatment from the French team's medical staff, which prevented him from participating in all training sessions. In the 30th minute of the semi-final at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, he collapsed on the turf, saying 'My back is giving out.' Medical confirmation revealed a back fracture. His ability to maintain a high level of performance despite the injury is noted as a remarkable sacrifice for the team. It is not yet determined how long he will be sidelined or whether surgery will be required, but a lengthy recovery period is expected.
虎扑 - 足球William Saliba Played 2026 World Cup with a Fractured Back
RMC Sport reports that French national team defender William Saliba played the 2026 World Cup with a fractured back. The Arsenal player sustained the injury two months prior during a Premier League match. He managed to play through the tournament with painkillers and daily specialized care from the French medical staff, missing some training sessions. However, his back gave out in the 30th minute of the semi-final against Spain, which France lost 2-0. Saliba was forced to leave the pitch at the Dallas Cowboys Stadium. His recovery timeline is unknown, and it is unclear whether surgery will be required. The injury is expected to require significant rest.
Home Football - actualitésFrance Star William Saliba Faces Months-Long Break After Back Surgery Diagnosis
France and Arsenal defender William Saliba is facing a months-long absence after being diagnosed with severe back problems that require surgery. The 25-year-old defensive leader was forced off the pitch after just 30 minutes in France's 0-2 World Cup semi-final loss to Spain, replaced by Maxence Lacroix. According to French media, Saliba told teammate Dayot Upamecano, 'I can't go on, my back is broken.' Multiple outlets report that surgery is likely, which would sideline him for four to five months, potentially keeping him out until 2027. Saliba had been playing through pain for months, gritting his teeth through the Champions League, Premier League, and World Cup. His absence is a major blow for Arsenal, where he played 50 competitive matches last season and is an absolute regular under Mikel Arteta.
BILD - SportWilliam Saliba faces five-month injury layoff after World Cup back injury
Arsenal defender William Saliba is facing up to five months on the sidelines after suffering a back injury during France's World Cup semi-final defeat to Spain. The 25-year-old collapsed in agony after 30 minutes and was forced off, later telling teammate Dayot Upamecano his back was 'finished'. French outlet L'Equipe reports Saliba will require surgery, sidelining him for four to five months. Saliba admitted he had been playing through pain for months, gritting his teeth through Champions League and Premier League matches. His absence is a major blow to Arsenal's Premier League title defense, as he and Gabriel have formed one of Europe's best center-back partnerships. Arsenal will rely on Ben White and Jurrien Timber to deputize during the opening months of the season, which includes tough fixtures against Aston Villa, Liverpool, and Chelsea.
Mirror - FootballFrance: William Saliba Expected to Be Out for 5 Months After World Cup Injury
William Saliba, Arsenal defender and French national team starter, is expected to be sidelined for four to five months due to a chronic back injury that worsened during the 2026 World Cup. Despite severe pain, Saliba played through the tournament with the help of painkillers and a reduced training protocol, but his body gave out in the 30th minute of the semi-final loss to Spain (0-2). According to L'Équipe, surgery is now the most likely treatment option. Arsenal is already preparing for his long-term absence, prioritizing a sustainable recovery to protect his career. The situation echoes Samuel Umtiti's 2018 World Cup ordeal.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertFrance Goalkeeper Brice Samba Injured in Training Ahead of Third-Place Match
On July 16, 2026, the day after France's 2-0 World Cup semi-final loss to Spain, goalkeeper Brice Samba was forced to leave a training session in Bentley due to calf pain. He consulted with goalkeeping coach Franck Raviot and will undergo tests to determine the severity of the injury and his availability for the third-place match against England on July 18 in Miami. Defender William Saliba is already confirmed absent for that match. The article, published by Foot Mercato, reports on the latest injury setback for the French national team.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertArsenal's Saliba Faces Up to Five Months Out with Back Injury
Arsenal defender William Saliba is reportedly facing a break of up to five months after sustaining a back injury during France's World Cup semi-final against Spain. The injury forced his withdrawal from the match, and initial assessments suggest a lengthy recovery period. This development is a significant blow for both Arsenal and the French national team, as Saliba has been a key defensive player. The exact nature of the injury and the full recovery timeline are still being evaluated, but the report indicates a potential absence of up to five months, which would impact Arsenal's season and France's upcoming fixtures.
kicker Fußball NewsFrance's William Saliba Injured, Replaced by Maxence Lacroix in World Cup Semifinal
France defender William Saliba left the field in the 28th minute of Tuesday's World Cup semifinal against Spain in Arlington, Texas, due to an undisclosed injury. Saliba, who has a history of back issues over the past three years, sat down near midfield while in possession of the ball and was unable to continue. He was replaced by Maxence Lacroix in the 30th minute. The injury occurred shortly after Spain took a 1-0 lead via a penalty converted by Mikel Oyarzabal, following a foul by Lucas Digne on Lamine Yamal. Spain later extended their lead to 2-0 with a goal by Pedro Porro in the 58th minute. The winner of this match advances to the World Cup Final on Sunday in East Rutherford, New Jersey, against the winner of the Argentina vs. England semifinal.
Yardbarker: SoccerSaliba Injured and Substituted in First Half of World Cup Semi-Final, Leaves Field in Tears
During the World Cup semi-final between France and Spain, French defender William Saliba suffered an injury after a water break in the first half. He limped off the pitch and was replaced by Lacroix. Saliba was visibly emotional as he left the field, with cameras capturing him wiping away tears. The injury forced France to make an early adjustment to their defensive line. The match is ongoing, and Saliba's condition is a significant concern for the French team.
虎扑 - 足球France's William Saliba forced off with back injury in World Cup semi-final against Spain
France suffered a major blow in the 2026 World Cup semi-final against Spain when defender William Saliba was forced to leave the pitch with a back injury just before the half-hour mark in Dallas. The 25-year-old Arsenal player, who had been managing recurring back pain for several months with a modified training program, sat down on the pitch and requested a substitution. He was replaced by Maxence Lacroix. Saliba had previously admitted he was 'gritting his teeth' to endure the pain and was not at 100% fitness, but felt compelled to play in the World Cup. The injury is a significant setback for Les Bleus in a crucial knockout match.
Home Football - actualitésWilliam Saliba forced off injured in World Cup semi-final against Spain
France suffered a double blow in their World Cup semi-final against Spain, trailing 1-0 after a penalty converted by Mikel Oyarzabal in the 22nd minute, and then losing central defender William Saliba to a back injury in the 29th minute. Saliba, who had been managing the injury since the start of the week and missed the previous match against Norway, was replaced by Maxence Lacroix of Crystal Palace, earning his 6th cap. The Arsenal defender's early exit adds to France's difficulties as they seek to overcome Spain in the crucial knockout match.
Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continuSaliba Injured in World Cup Semifinal: 'My Back Is Gone'
During the World Cup semifinal between France and Spain on July 15, French defender William Saliba suffered a non-contact injury in the 31st minute and was substituted by Lacroix. According to ESPN, lip-reading analysis showed Saliba repeatedly saying, 'My back is gone, my back is gone' as he left the field. The injury is a significant blow to France in a high-stakes match.
虎扑 - 足球France suffer huge blow as Arsenal's William Saliba limps out of Spain semi-final
France suffered a major setback in their World Cup semi-final against Spain when Arsenal defender William Saliba limped off injured in the 29th minute, pointing to his back, an area where he has had previous issues. He was replaced by Crystal Palace's Maxence Lacroix. The injury compounded France's troubles after they fell behind 1-0 in the 22nd minute due to a Mikel Oyarzabal penalty, awarded after Lucas Digne fouled Lamine Yamal. It was the first time France had trailed in the tournament. Saliba, 25, had reportedly considered surgery for his back problem before the World Cup. He will undergo tests, and his availability for the final or third-place play-off is uncertain. The article also notes broader concerns about Arsenal players picking up injuries in North America.
Mirror - FootballArsenal's William Saliba Injured During France-Spain World Cup Semi-Final
Arsenal centre-back William Saliba was forced off injured during the first half of the 2026 World Cup semi-final between France and Spain. The French defender appeared to suffer a sudden back problem without any contact from other players and was immediately replaced by Maxence Lacroix. The severity of the injury is not yet known, but the abrupt nature of his exit has raised concerns for both France and his club Arsenal. The match is ongoing, and further updates are expected.
CaughtOffsideFrance Defender William Saliba Withdraws from World Cup Semifinal Due to Injury
During the World Cup semifinal between France and Spain, French defender William Saliba suffered a non-contact injury in the 31st minute and was substituted by Lacroix. RMC journalist Fabrice Hawkins reported that Saliba had been playing through pain since the start of the tournament, gritting his teeth and maintaining a high level of performance despite the injury. Hawkins called it a heavy blow for France and paid tribute to Saliba's perseverance. The match is ongoing, and France faces a significant defensive setback.
虎扑 - 足球2026 World Cup: William Saliba Exits with Injury in France vs Spain Semi-Final
During the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final between France and Spain, French defender William Saliba was forced to leave the match in the 28th minute due to a back injury. Saliba had been experiencing back pain since the Champions League final with PSG, but the French national team's medical staff and his early performances had been reassuring. The injury occurred with France already trailing 1-0, dealing a significant blow to the team. Maxence Lacroix replaced Saliba. The match was broadcast on M6 and M6+.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertSaliba Substituted Due to Injury in World Cup Semi-Final Against Spain
During the World Cup semi-final match between France and Spain on July 15, French defender William Saliba suffered a non-contact injury in the 31st minute and was replaced by Lacroix. This marks the first time since April that Saliba has not played a full match in an official game. The injury is a significant blow to France, who were already under pressure in the high-stakes match. The report originates from Hupu, a Chinese sports community, citing source X.
虎扑 - 足球