Saliba worsened back fracture playing 2026 World Cup: career threatened like Umtiti

William Saliba aggravated a back fracture sustained with Arsenal in May by forcing his participation in the 2026 World Cup with the French national team. The 25-year-old defender played the entire tournament under injections and painkillers before his body finally gave way during the semi-final against Spain.

After thorough examinations, doctors ruled out surgery in favor of conservative treatment: massage, physiotherapy and intensive daily care to minimize the risk of long-term relapse. In October, the Arsenal defender reached a new milestone by resuming light running at the Gunners’ training center. A return to competition is expected by year’s end.

But it is what comes after that worries observers. Journalist Florent Gautreau sounded the alarm on RMC: “Saliba, this injury, it’s very complicated… Not just for the France squad in November. I think it will be complicated, a bit like Umtiti.”

The comparison is loaded with meaning. Before the 2018 World Cup in Russia, Samuel Umtiti already suffered a serious cartilage lesion in his left knee. He chose, on medical advice, to postpone major surgery to compete in the tournament, also playing under injections. Author of the qualifying goal in the semi-final against Belgium, he won the World Cup — but his joint was permanently damaged. The former Lyon player never regained his previous level, suffering repeated setbacks until ending his career at 31.

Saliba is only 25 and had established himself as one of Europe’s best central defenders over the past two seasons with Arsenal. The true extent of the consequences of his injury will only be known when he returns to competition.