Mikel Arteta explains William Saliba’s omission from Arsenal’s 2026/27 squad photograph

Mikel Arteta has assured Arsenal supporters that William Saliba‘s absence from this season’s squad photograph was on account of logistical causes and revealed will probably be retaken to incorporate the defender.

Saliba is at present sidelined with a long-term again damage, sustained whereas enjoying for France in the summertime’s World Cup, with the 25-year-old dominated out for an “prolonged interval”.

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The Premier League champions launched their squad photograph for the 2026/27 season this week, however followers had been fast to identify that Saliba was not current.

The membership later clarified that Saliba was not out there on account of a “medical appointment” and Arteta defined they could not reschedule the photograph, however will organize for one more one to be taken quickly.

“What occurred was that we have now tried to try this image 3 times already and we needed to cancel it final minute for various causes,” Arteta stated.

“We had some business obligations, we had some individuals who got here to try this, so we determined to try this image.

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“At least we could have one other image with the entire household. Hopefully we will get all of them collectively sooner or later at some point, and we’ll announce that.”

Arteta stated Saliba was “nice” – though his team-mates have given him some grief over his absence.

“It wasn’t in his fingers. Willy is often completely satisfied about every thing. He is aware of how beloved he’s. He was taking some banter from the gamers and he’s utterly nice.”