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Something seemed off when Arsenal released their official squad photo for the 2026–27 season.
The image featured 24 players—including a somewhat awkward-looking Max Dowman—alongside the Premier League trophy, the Community Shield, and a beaming Mikel Arteta.
However, William Saliba, a pillar of Arsenal's rise and a key figure in their historic first English top-flight title in 22 years, was nowhere to be seen.
Saliba was a patient long-term project for the Gunners, acquired as a teenager back in 2019 but not establishing himself as a regular starter until three seasons later. His absence through injury during the closing stages of 2022–23 played a significant role in Arsenal's title collapse against Manchester City, and there's little doubt he ranks among the finest center backs on the planet.
A back problem picked up during the 2026 World Cup has kept Saliba from featuring at all this season. That same issue was behind his absence from the squad photo. Arsenal were quick to clarify the situation—there was nothing concerning about it, as the scheduled shoot simply conflicted with a pre-arranged medical appointment for Saliba.
Due to a medical appointment, William Saliba was not available this afternoon.
When Will Saliba Return From Injury?
Saliba sustained the injury—apparently aggravating an existing back issue—during France's semifinal defeat to Spain at AT&T Stadium on July 14, and was given a vague timeline of an "extended period" on the sidelines. That has stretched into several months, though the 25-year-old may be approaching the final stages of his recovery.
Saliba returned to individual training on grass in early October—always a meaningful milestone in any serious rehabilitation process. Arteta's latest comments on the matter offered supporters some encouragement.
"We're managing his workload carefully. He's building his capacity to a good level, and we'll see how things progress over the next few weeks," the Arsenal manager said.
"We're still talking in terms of weeks. Whether he returns just before or just after the next international break in November makes a big difference. I can't give you a precise answer right now."
Arsenal travel to Anfield to face Liverpool on Nov. 1, with their final two matches before the November international break coming against Slavia Prague (Nov. 4) and Hull City (Nov. 7). The Gunners resume after the break on Nov. 21 with an away fixture against Newcastle United.
Arsenal brought in Ezri Konsa over the summer, fully aware that Saliba would be sidelined for a considerable stretch. The ex-Aston Villa man has stepped up impressively in his absence, but the sooner Arsenal can welcome back one of world football's top defenders, the better off they'll be.