Why wasn't Saliba in Arsenal's 2026/27 team photo?

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Arsenal released their official 2026/27 team photo on Wednesday afternoon, and eagle eyed fans quickly spotted one notable absence: William Saliba.

The French centre back has not featured for the Premier League champions this season as he continues his recovery from a long standing back injury. Arsenal and Saliba have opted against surgery, instead pursuing a lengthy rehabilitation program at the club's London Colney training ground.

There is no shortage of other faces in the picture. All of Arsenal's summer signings are present, as are academy prospects Max Dowman and Marli Salmon, the Premier League trophy, the Community Shield, and even Win, the club's resident therapy dog. Saliba, though, is nowhere to be found.

Club explains the absence

Arsenal addressed the snub directly, confirming that Saliba's absence was down to a scheduling clash rather than anything more significant. A club statement read: “Due to a medical appointment, William Saliba was not available this afternoon.”

According to Standard Sport, Saliba has been working with specialists in London since the World Cup and has now progressed to on pitch work as he builds back toward match fitness. The club are said to be optimistic that he could return to competitive action by November.

Arteta provides an update

Mikel Arteta gave reporters an encouraging update on Saliba's progress this week, describing a gradual build up process on the training ground.

“Now it's over a week [on the grass], I think, and (Saliba will) be managing that load,” Arteta said. “How many repetitions and sessions in a row he can do, but he's building his capacity to good standards.”

The Arsenal manager added: “Let's see in the next few weeks [if] we can start to introduce him with the team, and to see where we are to actually make him available.”

Saliba has been one of the first names on the teamsheet since establishing himself as Arsenal's defensive cornerstone, and his continued absence has been felt at the back this season. With the club reportedly targeting a November return, Arsenal fans will be hoping the defender's rehabilitation continues without setback as he works his way back into Arteta's plans.