William Saliba to return sooner than feared as Arsenal avoid major setback

William Saliba is expected to return sooner than initially feared after undergoing successful back surgery, handing Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta a major boost ahead of the new season.

The French defender has been sidelined since suffering the injury while representing France at the World Cup, with initial fears that the problem could keep him out for a significant part of 2026.

Arsenal had confirmed that Saliba would be unavailable for an “extended period”, raising concerns that the centre-back could face a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

However, BBC Sport journalist Sami Mokbel has revealed that the Gunners have avoided the worst-case scenario, with Saliba now expected to spend around two to three months recovering rather than the four to five months originally feared.

Arsenal dodge major setback

Speaking on The Daily Grind YouTube channel, Mokbel explained that surgery had initially carried the prospect of a much longer absence.

“What I was told during the World Cup, if William Saliba was to have surgery, it would have been four to five months out.

“Thankfully for Arsenal, they managed to avoid that length of time, but I think we’re still looking at a minimum of two to three months.”

The update comes as Arsenal prepare for Sunday’s Community Shield meeting with Manchester City in Cardiff, where Saliba will be unavailable.

His absence leaves Arteta having to reshuffle his defensive options, with Cristhian Mosquera, Gabriel and Piero Hincapié among those expected to shoulder greater responsibility at the back.

Defensive reinforcements offer hope

Arsenal have already been linked with defensive alternatives, with Bayer Leverkusen’s Jarell Quansah and Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa emerging as potential replacements for Saliba.

The prospect of Saliba returning within two to three months, however, could alter Arsenal’s plans and reduce the pressure to find a long-term replacement for one of Arteta’s most important defenders.

The Gunners have also received another encouraging update with Jurrien Timber closing in on a return to training.

Timber missed the World Cup and is expected to resume training in the coming weeks, although he will miss several matches, including the opening fixture against Coventry.

He is reportedly targeting a return to competitive action in September or October, providing Arteta with another defensive option as Arsenal navigate the early stages of the campaign.

With Saliba’s recovery now expected to be shorter than first feared and Timber also nearing a comeback, Arsenal’s defensive crisis could prove far less damaging than initially anticipated.