William Saliba walked off the pitch during France’s World Cup semi-final against Spain on July 14 with a phrase that no Arsenal fan wanted to hear: “My back is gone.” The 25-year-old centre-back, one of the Premier League’s most dominant defenders, was visibly distressed as he exited, and the video spread across social media within minutes.
What happened and why it matters beyond the pitch
Saliba’s back issues are not new. He had been managing discomfort throughout the 2025/26 season, grinding through both the Premier League and Champions League campaigns. The injury reportedly worsened during Arsenal’s Champions League final appearance against PSG, and concerns about his World Cup eligibility first surfaced around late May.
French coach Didier Deschamps had downplayed the severity, insisting Saliba was at “99%” fitness and ready for crucial matches. That assessment aged poorly when Saliba was forced off during the Spain match.
French outlet L’Equipe has reported that Saliba may require back surgery after the World Cup if symptoms persist. That’s the kind of timeline that could sideline a player well into the first months of the next Premier League season.
