In north London, Arsenal’s 2026-27 team photograph has created an unexpected talking point before William Saliba has played a minute of the new campaign. The French centre-back was absent from the club’s seasonal portrait, despite being one of the pillars of last year’s Premier League-winning side and its run to the Champions League final.
Arsenal said Saliba missed the gathering because of a medical appointment. The explanation was issued in response to the published image of the squad, but it did little to settle supporters’ questions over the 25-year-old’s situation.
Quick facts
- William Saliba was absent from Arsenal’s 2026-27 squad photograph.
- Arsenal cited a medical appointment for the defender’s non-attendance.
- The France international has not yet appeared this season.
- He is recovering from a back problem and is expected to return in November.
- Saliba, 25, remains under contract at Arsenal until 2030.
It is not unusual for an injured player to be unavailable for matches, but absences from a formal club photograph tend to draw attention. Fans questioned why the session could not have been moved to include a player who was so central to Mikel Arteta’s team last season.
Saliba reported for France’s summer World Cup campaign in the United States, Mexico and Canada while carrying back discomfort that had troubled him for months. He started the semi-final against Spain, with France already 1-0 behind, but came off in the 28th minute.
Reports in France have indicated that he had continued playing despite a stress fracture sustained during a Premier League match for Arsenal, in order to take part in the tournament. After the World Cup, he returned to London for assessment by Arsenal’s medical staff.
The club opted for conservative treatment rather than surgery. Saliba has recently resumed work on grass and running drills, with November identified as the target for his competitive comeback.
That timeline makes the photograph’s timing all the more notable. There is no confirmed indication of a dispute between player and club, although supporters have speculated over whether Arsenal were unhappy with his World Cup decision or his treatment route.
For now, the confirmed position is that Saliba remains sidelined and working towards recovery. But as Arsenal assemble for another season after a landmark domestic triumph, the empty place in the official picture has ensured that his absence is being examined far beyond a routine medical appointment.
