Arsenal to receive millions in FIFA compensation after disastrous World Cup blow

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Arsenal are expected to receive over £4million as a result of William Saliba's back injury at the 2026 World Cup . The 24-year-old has been battling through the pain barrier since March, but broke down during France's 2-0 semi-final loss to Spain on Tuesday.

The centre-half was spotted limping off the pitch just 30 minutes into the action, substituted for Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix. It has now emerged that Saliba could be sidelined for up to five months.

He could also require surgery on his back. It mirrors a similar injury he picked up toward the back end of 2022/23.

France boss Didier Deschamps confirmed after the match that Saliba's pain had become "unbearable" during the Spain fixture and the severity of the problem became apparent on the pitch. Then ahead of the World Cup third-place play-off against England , Deschamps offered a further update on Saliba's situation, stating.

He said: "William Saliba got injured and it's problematic. He went through some examinations.

"The injury did not worsen. He faced that injury since March. He had some pain and unfortunately the pain was not bearable."

Arsenal are yet to give any indication of a recovery timeframe, though it's understood Saliba faces could be unavailable until mid-November at the earliest. While the Frenchman's absence will represent a significant setback for Arsenal and Mikel Arteta , the club are set to receive a substantial sum in compensation from FIFA given the back injury was aggravated during the World Cup.

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Since 2012, FIFA's Club Protection Programme has provided cover for the wages of players who sustain injuries while on international duty. There are, however, certain conditions that must be satisfied beforehand.

One stipulates that the player must remain sidelined for a minimum period of 28 consecutive days and that the injury must have been sustained during an 'accident.' Given that Saliba is anticipated to be absent for between four and five months, and that the injury deteriorated while he was competing at the World Cup, Arsenal look well placed to lodge a compensation claim with FIFA for the duration of Saliba's recovery.

It means Arsenal could pocket at least £4m from FIFA to cover Saliba, who is reported to be earning around £250,000 per week at the Emirates Stadium following the signing of a lucrative new deal last September.

While it won't entirely make up for Saliba's absence during that period, it does ease the financial strain and affords Arsenal greater flexibility in the transfer window should they wish to bring in a replacement for the Frenchman.

Aston Villa and England defender Ezri Konsa has been mooted as a summer target after turning heads for the Three Lions at the World Cup. Villa, however, are determined to hold on to the 28-year-old, who is valued at upward of £50m.

Whether Arsenal will opt for a short-term stand-in for Saliba, or pursue someone of Konsa's calibre who can deputise for the former Marseille defender or even slot in at right-back, remains to be seen.