Saliba Reveals Pain Barrier Play in Arsenal's Premier League Title Run

ArsenalTeam·Arsenal defender William SalibaPlayer·William Saliba has revealed he endured a persistent back problem throughout the club's triumphant 2025/26 Premier LeagueCompetition·Premier League season, a testament to his commitment in securing the league title. The confession comes from France's World CupCompetition·World Cup base in BostonVenue·Boston, where Saliba is preparing to represent his nation in the 2026 tournament.

Saliba admitted to experiencing "minor niggles for several months," explaining that he had been "gritting teeth because there was the Champions LeagueCompetition·Champions League and the Premier LeagueCompetition·Premier League." He credited ArsenalTeam·Arsenal's coaching staff for effectively managing his condition, allowing him to continue playing a pivotal role. Despite acknowledging he is not at "100 percent," the opportunity to compete in the World CupCompetition·World Cup provides significant motivation to push through any discomfort.

His dedication mirrors the sacrifices made by teammates such as Bukayo SakaPlayer·Bukayo Saka and Declan RicePlayer·Declan Rice during ArsenalTeam·Arsenal's title charge. The Gunners concluded the 2025/26 Premier LeagueCompetition·Premier League season in first place, accumulating 85 points from 26 wins, 7 draws, and 5 losses. Their formidable home record, with 15 wins, 2 draws, and 2 losses, was instrumental in their success. ArsenalTeam·Arsenal also advanced to the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions LeagueCompetition·Champions League, where their campaign concluded after being eliminated by Paris Saint-GermainTeam·Paris Saint-Germain.

Individually, Saliba's commitment to ArsenalTeam·Arsenal was further solidified on September 30, 2025, when he signed a new long-term contract, extending his stay at the club until 2030. He also registered his first goal of the season on March 1, 2026, contributing to a 2-1 victory against ChelseaTeam·Chelsea.

While Saliba has returned to full training with the French national team and is expected to feature in their opening World CupCompetition·World Cup match, his ongoing back issue raises concerns for the start of ArsenalTeam·Arsenal's 2026/27 season. Reports suggest that surgery following the World CupCompetition·World Cup remains a possibility, which could delay his return to club action. France's manager, Didier Deschamps, had previously downplayed the severity of the issue, noting that Saliba had been managing the problem for weeks without it impeding his performances for ArsenalTeam·Arsenal.