Injury NewsMirror FootballUnverified source· 21 Aug 2026
Saliba out for two months with back injury
Arsenal's defensive lynchpin will miss the start of the season after a World Cup setback.
W. Saliba
player
Injury
Back problem
Club
Arsenal
Expected return
Minimum two months
What happened. William Saliba will miss Arsenal's Premier League opener against Coventry City due to a back injury sustained while playing for France during the 2026 World Cup.
- Initially feared to need surgery, which would have ruled him out for up to five months.
- Arteta says Saliba is in rest mode and must avoid aggravating the injury.
- Cristhian Mosquera is the most direct replacement after featuring in pre-season.
“William is in rest mode at the moment. For two weeks he had to do almost nothing, don’t aggravate the injury.”
— Mikel Arteta
Arsenal will rely on other defenders until Saliba returns, with updates expected as he heals.
Read the full story at Mirror Football →
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