Arsenal confirm William Saliba missed squad photo for medical appointment
William Saliba’s absence from Arsenal’s 2026-27 squad photograph was due to a medical appointment, with the club moving quickly to clarify the defender had not suffered a fresh injury setback.
Arsenal’s annual first-team image was taken at London Colney, where Mikel Arteta stood with his players alongside the Premier League and Community Shield trophies. Supporters noted that Saliba was missing from the group and raised concerns over his recovery from a back problem.
Quick facts
- Saliba missed Arsenal’s squad-photo session because of a medical appointment.
- The 25-year-old has been out since July with a back injury sustained in France’s World Cup semi-final loss to Spain.
- He has returned to grass work and did not need surgery.
- Arsenal are targeting a possible November return for the centre-back.
- Saliba has played 184 matches and scored eight goals for Arsenal.
The France international was forced off during the World Cup semi-final defeat to Spain and has not yet appeared for Arsenal this season. His rehabilitation is progressing, however, and the club’s update indicated that his non-attendance at the photo shoot was planned.
Saliba is now building up his work on the training pitch after avoiding an operation. Arsenal will take a cautious approach to his return, with Arteta and the medical department expected to increase his workload gradually before he is cleared for competitive action.
A November comeback remains the defender’s aim as Arsenal prepare for a demanding winter schedule. His return would restore one of Arteta’s established first-choice defenders after several seasons in which he has become a key figure at the heart of the side.
Since his Premier League debut in August 2022, Saliba has been selected in the PFA Team of the Year in each following campaign. He committed his future to Arsenal with a five-year deal signed in September last year, keeping him under contract until 2030.
Ezri Konsa, recruited during the summer, has partnered Gabriel Magalhaes in Saliba’s absence. Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapie provide further central-defensive options while Arsenal manage the France defender’s recovery.
