Arsenal to Retake 2026–27 Team Photo as Saliba Continues Injury Recovery
Arsenal are planning a new official team photograph for the 2026–27 season, with William Saliba expected to join his teammates after missing the original shoot. His absence prompted questions among supporters, many of whom called for the club to arrange another picture with the French defender included.
Manager Mikel Arteta addressed the situation at his Friday press conference ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League meeting with Nottingham Forest. He explained that Saliba was unavailable because he had a medical appointment connected to his ongoing back injury—not because of any issue with the club or his teammates.
The club’s decision to take the photograph without him followed several unsuccessful attempts to bring the squad together. With commercial partners and other guests already involved, Arsenal chose to proceed rather than cancel the session again. Arteta said the club would arrange a further photograph when the full group could attend.
Arteta Confirms a “Whole Family” Photograph Is Planned
Speaking to Sky Sports, Arteta explained that the team had tried to schedule the shoot three times, only for circumstances to force a change at the last moment. The club ultimately went ahead with the planned session because people had made arrangements to be there.
“We will take another photo with the whole family,” Arteta said, adding that Arsenal hoped to gather everyone together soon and share the completed image. His comments offered a straightforward answer to fans who had wondered why one of the club’s most important defenders was missing from a prominent season photograph.
For supporters, the image is more than a routine club publication. It represents the squad preparing for a new campaign and gives fans a chance to see the players together before the season’s challenges intensify. Saliba’s inclusion in a later photograph would also provide a reassuring visual update as he works his way back from injury.
Back Injury Has Kept Saliba Out of Action
Saliba, 25, has dealt with back discomfort for an extended period. The issue reportedly became more serious while he was on international duty at the World Cup, where he had to leave the pitch during the semi-final against Spain. Since then, Arsenal and the player have focused on finding a recovery plan that would allow him to return without taking unnecessary risks.
Rather than proceed directly to surgery, Saliba and the club agreed on a rehabilitation programme. That approach has kept him away from some team activities, including the photo shoot, but it has also offered the possibility of a shorter recovery period. According to Arteta, surgery could have sidelined the defender for more than six months, while the rehabilitation route may bring him back within approximately three to four months.
Those timelines remain estimates, not guarantees. Recovery from a back injury can vary depending on how the player responds to treatment, training and the demands of competitive football. Arsenal will therefore be cautious about setting a firm return date before the medical staff have reviewed his progress in detail.
Positive Signs as Arsenal Await Further Tests
There has been encouraging movement in Saliba’s recovery. Arteta confirmed that the defender is back training on grass, an important step after a period focused on treatment and rehabilitation. However, returning to the pitch for controlled work does not necessarily mean a player is ready for full training or match action.
Arsenal are expected to monitor his condition with another MRI scan the following week. The imaging will help the medical team assess how the injury is healing and determine whether Saliba can gradually increase his workload. Arteta said the signs so far have been positive and expressed hope that the defender would be available again soon.
For Arsenal, the priority is balancing the desire to have a key player back with the need to protect his long-term fitness. Saliba’s pace, strength and composure have made him a central figure in the team’s defence, so a careful return could be more valuable than rushing him into action. His progress will be closely watched as the club weighs its defensive options for upcoming fixtures.
Teammates’ Banter Shows Saliba Remains Part of the Group
Arteta also played down any suggestion that Saliba was upset about missing the photograph. He said the defender understood that his absence was beyond his control and remained happy with the situation. The manager added that Saliba knows how much affection he receives at the club and has even been the subject of friendly teasing from teammates.
That detail offered a glimpse of the close atmosphere within the Arsenal squad. While a missing player in a team photo can quickly become a talking point, Arteta’s explanation made clear that the situation was connected to medical care and scheduling—not a rift or a sign of uncertainty about Saliba’s place at the club.
What Saliba’s Recovery Could Mean for Arsenal
Saliba’s availability is likely to be a significant factor in Arsenal’s season. A reliable central defender can shape how a team presses, builds from the back and handles high-pressure moments. His absence may require adjustments to the defensive partnership, while his eventual return could give Arteta more flexibility as the campaign develops.
For fans looking for an Arsenal prediction, the key question is not simply when Saliba will return, but whether he can rebuild match fitness safely once the medical checks are complete. The club’s positive update is encouraging, yet the next scan and his response to increased training will provide a clearer picture.
For now, Arsenal are focused on supporting Saliba’s recovery and preparing for their next Premier League test against Nottingham Forest. A new team photo featuring the defender may follow when the full squad can come together. Until then, the most meaningful update is that he is back on the grass, progressing through rehabilitation and being monitored closely by the club’s medical team.
