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SportsArsenal to receive over £4m from FIFA after Saliba's World Cup injury
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Arsenal are set to receive over £4 million in compensation from FIFA after defender William Saliba suffered a serious back injury while playing for France at the 2026 World Cup. The 24-year-old aggravated a pre-existing back problem during France's semi-final loss to Spain, forcing him off after 30 minutes. France coach Didier Deschamps confirmed the pain became 'unbearable.' Saliba could be sidelined for up to five months, potentially requiring surgery. Under FIFA's Club Protection Programme, clubs can claim compensation for players injured on international duty if the absence exceeds 28 consecutive days. Saliba's expected four-to-five month recovery and the injury's occurrence during a World Cup match make Arsenal eligible for a payout covering his £250,000-per-week wages, totaling at least £4 million. The injury is a significant blow to Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta ahead of the new season.
Source report
By Kieran King, Senior Sports Writer, and Aaron Morris, Senior Sports Reporter 18:32, 19 Jul 2026
Arsenal are expected to receive over £4 million in compensation after defender William Saliba suffered a back injury while representing France at the 2026 World Cup.
The 24-year-old had been playing through pain since March, but broke down during France's 2-0 semi-final loss to Spain on Tuesday. Saliba was substituted after just 30 minutes, replaced by Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix, and was seen limping off the pitch.
It has now emerged that Saliba could be sidelined for up to five months and may require surgery on his back. The injury mirrors a similar issue he sustained toward the end of the 2022/23 season.
Deschamps Confirms Severity
France manager Didier Deschamps confirmed after the match that Saliba's pain had become "unbearable" during the Spain fixture. Speaking ahead of the World Cup third-place play-off against England, Deschamps said:
"William Saliba got injured and it's problematic. He went through some examinations. The injury did not worsen. He faced that injury since March. He had some pain and unfortunately the pain was not bearable."
Compensation Through FIFA's Club Protection Programme
Arsenal are yet to provide a recovery timeline, though it is understood Saliba could be unavailable until mid-November at the earliest. While his absence represents a significant setback for Mikel Arteta's side, the club is set to receive substantial compensation from FIFA, as the injury was aggravated during the World Cup.
Since 2012, FIFA's Club Protection Programme has provided cover for the wages of players injured while on international duty. However, certain conditions must be met:
- The player must be sidelined for a minimum of 28 consecutive days.
- The injury must have been sustained during an "accident."
Given that Saliba is expected to be absent for four to five months and that his injury worsened while competing at the World Cup, Arsenal are well placed to lodge a compensation claim with FIFA for the duration of his recovery.
Financial Impact
Arsenal could receive at least £4 million from FIFA to cover Saliba's wages. The defender is reported to earn around £250,000 per week at the Emirates Stadium following a lucrative new contract signed last September.
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- Bukayo Saka speechless before walking away from BBC interview over England World Cup remark
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Source
Mirror - FootballWestern
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William Saliba's Back Injury Concerns Ahead of 2026 World Cup