William Saliba injury update reveals how long he'll be out as ideal replacement named

A brutal William Saliba injury update has revealed that the Arsenal star is set to be out for months, but Mikel Arteta has already identified a replacement.

In just four weeks the 2026/27 Premier League season will officially kick off as reigning champions Arsenal face newly-promoted Coventry City in the opening fixture at the Emirates.

Arsenal head into the new season as firm favourites to go back-to-back, with many of their rivals currently undergoing a transitional period with new managers and players.

Although they missed out on one of their top targets in Morgan Rogers, who instead joined London rivals Chelsea, the Gunners are still expected to spend big this summer, with Bruno Guimarães among their other transfer priorities.

But it's not all good news for Arsenal fans, as they'll have to manage for much of the early part of the season without key defender Saliba.

While representing France at the World Cup this summer, the 25-year-old had to come off during the semi-final after complaining about pain in his back.

According to French outlet L’Equipe, it was initially believed that Saliba would undergo back injury, but he has instead opted against the invasive treatment and will instead follow a rest-and-rehabilitation plan.

Although it is not known exactly how long the Frenchman will be out, the report adds that it will be 'months' before he's back on the pitch, with Saliba himself set to decide when he feels prepared to return.

We can therefore assume that Arsenal will be without Saliba until October at the very best, with a longer spell off the pitch seemingly likely.

Arsenal identify ideal William Saliba replacement

With that in mind, it seems clear that Arsenal will need to sign a new centre back this summer, either to start alongside Gabriel Magalhães or to provide cover in defence.

Following his impressive loan at the Emirates last season, Piero Hincapié completed a permanent move for a reported fee of around £34.5million plus add-ons at the start of the transfer window and is expected to start at centre-back this season.

But Arsenal will still need at least one more centre-back signing this summer, and it appears that former Manchester City veteran John Stones could be their ideal target.

Stones has worked with Mikel Arteta before when the Spaniard was Guardiola’s assistant at City, and is now available as a free agent following the expiry of his contract with City at the end of last season.

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Arteta spent three years working together with Stones before leaving to take charge of Arsenal, and has spoken out to express his feelings about the defender.

“John is a player I really like," Arteta said in January 2020.

"We followed him before we signed him when I was at City.

“I worked with him for many years. I know him well and when I look at centre-backs he has many attributes I like."

However, Arsenal aren't the only club interested in signing Stones on a free transfer and they could again face competition from London rivals Chelsea, with Xabi Alonso reportedly looking to sign to with Premier League experience.

Should they miss out on Stones, Arsenal have also been linked with a potential move for fellow England international Ezri Konsa.