Mikel Arteta explains William Saliba’s omission from Arsenal’s 2026/27 squad photo
Arsenal’s squad photo will be retaken to include the injured defender
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has explained why William Saliba was absent from the club's 2026/27 squad photo, revealing it was due to logistical reasons rather than any personal issues with the defender. Saliba, who sustained a long-term back injury during France's World Cup campaign this summer, is currently sidelined for an extended period and will not feature in the upcoming photo.
The photo, released this week, sparked fan speculation as Saliba was notably absent. The club clarified that he was not available due to a medical appointment, and Arteta confirmed they could not reschedule the photo due to various commercial obligations and personnel constraints. The Arsenal manager assured fans that they plan to take another photo featuring the entire squad soon.
Saliba, according to Arteta, is "fine" despite the absence, with his teammates playfully ribbing him about it. The defender is set to undergo another MRI scan next week, with Arteta expressing confidence in Saliba's positive recovery from the injury.
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