Saliba avoids surgery but faces months out after World Cup 2026 injury

Arsenal center-back William Saliba has opted against undergoing surgery for the back injury that flared up during the 2026 World Cup. L'Equipe reports that after consultations with medical staff and the London club's hierarchy, the French defender has chosen a conservative treatment plan. The decision means Saliba will not go under the knife but still faces a lengthy recovery period. The 25-year-old is expected to be sidelined for several months, although no precise return date has been set. Saliba's World Cup ended prematurely when he was substituted during France's semifinal against Spain due to severe pain. It later emerged that he had been managing chronic back issues since the tail end of the club season. His absence is a major blow for Arsenal, who relied heavily on him during their first Premier League title triumph in 22 years last season.