Saliba missing from Arsenal squad photo as Arteta reveals retake plan

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William Saliba was the only member of Arsenal's squad left out of the club's official 2026/27 team photo, and Mikel Arteta has confirmed a retake is planned once the defender is available.

The initial photo, released earlier this week, featured Arteta and his players posing with the Premier League trophy and Community Shield, alongside the wider backroom staff. Saliba's absence was put down to a medical appointment as he continues his recovery from a serious back injury.

Arteta explained the circumstances behind the shoot at his press conference. “What happened was that we have tried to do that picture three times already, but we have had to cancel it at the last minute for different reasons,” he said. “We have some commercial obligations and had people who came and flew over to do that, so we decided to do that picture at least.”

He confirmed a second photo will follow. “We'll have another picture with the whole family. Hopefully we can get them all together at some point one day, and will announce that as well.” Asked directly whether a fresh team photo would be taken once Saliba is fit, Arteta simply replied: “Yes.”

Saliba's reaction

Arteta also addressed how Saliba himself took the news of missing out. “It wasn't in his hands,” the manager said. “Normally he's happy about everything. He knows how loved he is. They were taking some banter all of the players. He's completely fine.”

The defender is widely regarded as one of the most relaxed characters in the Arsenal dressing room, and Arteta's comments suggest the omission was taken in good spirits rather than as any slight.

Saliba's recovery

Saliba has not featured for Arsenal since being forced off during France's World Cup semi final defeat to Spain over the summer. The club decided a significant period of rest was required to properly address the back issue, and he has been working individually at London Colney, having only returned to grass based drills over the past week.

Arsenal are targeting a return for Saliba around the November international break, though a cautious approach is expected given the length of his absence. “I think next week we have another MRI with him to see how the healing process is at the moment,” Arteta said, as quoted by the Evening Standard. “But every sign so far has been very, very positive. It will be great to have him.”

The upcoming scan should offer a clearer picture of when Saliba can return to full training and eventually first team action, with his influence at the back having been sorely missed so far this season.