Overview
- Saliba left France’s World Cup semi-final against Spain saying his back was gone after about 30 minutes on Tuesday, July 14, and was substituted before half-time.
- Maxence Lacroix replaced Saliba and France went on to lose the match, making the early withdrawal a decisive moment in the game’s flow.
- The centre-back had carried a recurring back problem through the end of the 2025/26 club season and national staff had limited his training while Didier Deschamps described him as close to full fitness before the semi-final.
- French outlet L’Equipe has reported that surgery may be required if symptoms persist, a development that could sideline Saliba well into the opening months of the 2026/27 Premier League season and is already shaping market and fan-token sentiment.
- Arsenal, the French Football Federation and independent medical teams are awaiting formal assessments and a treatment plan, and supporters should watch for a post-tournament medical update and any decision on surgery that will determine Saliba’s availability and force tactical adjustments at club level.