SportFootballWilliam SalibaWilliam Saliba was forced off in France's World Cup semi-final and the Arsenal defender is now set for surgery which could sideline him for up to five months09:48, 16 Jul 2026Updated 09:48, 16 Jul 2026William Saliba is facing five months on the sidelines which will leave him absent for the opening months of Arsenal's Premier League title defence.The reports come as a huge blow to the Gunners, who have made the Frenchman one of the pillars of their recent success. Saliba has become a key figure for club and country and it was with Les Bleus that his injury, which has been bothering him for months, finally reared its head.He collapsed to the pitch in agony in the first half of France‘s semi-final exit to Spain on Tuesday and had to come off after only half an hour.L’Equipe claims that the Arsenal man could be sidelined for between “four to five months” after having surgery, which will mean he misses the first three months for the Gunners.Saliba is said to have told defensive partner Dayot Upamecano: “I can’t take it any more, my back is finished," when he went down in the World Cup clash.The 25-year-old confessed he had been dealing with the issue for some time before the tournament began, but has not spoken since hobbling off on Tuesday.Speaking before the World Cup he said: “I’ve had some minor niggles for several months. I’ve been gritting my teeth because there was the Champions League and the Premier League. But the coaching staff are handling it very well. The World Cup comes around only once every four years, so you’ve got to grit your teeth. I’m not at 100 percent, but there are plenty of players who aren’t at 100 per cent either. You can’t make excuses.”Mikel Arteta has built his success in north London on one of Europe's best defences, with Saliba and Gabriel seen as the best centre-half duo in the business. In his absence Arsenal will need to look to other players with Ben White and Jurrien Timber both capable of deputising.Article continues belowArsenal begin their season at home to Coventry and, inside the first ten games will travel to Aston Villa and Liverpool whilst they also host London rivals Chelsea.Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.Content cannot be displayed without consentChoose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌Arsenal FCFrance football teamWilliam Saliba