Arsenal's 2026/27 official squad photo revealed a notable absence, sparking questions among supporters. While manager Mikel Arteta and new signings Ezri Konsa, Christos Tzolis, Ilan Meslier, and Bruno Guimaraes, alongside academy talents Marli Salmon and Max Dowman, posed with the Premier League trophy and Community Shield, William Saliba was conspicuously missing. Arsenal quickly clarified that the France international defender was unavailable due to a medical appointment. Saliba has been sidelined with a serious back injury sustained during a World Cup semi-final defeat against Spain and has only recently resumed grass training. Despite his absence, Arsenal has started the season strongly, maintaining a 100% record in the Champions League after a 2-0 win over Lille and securing a 2-1 victory against Leeds United. The team's only domestic setback was a defeat at Brighton. Arteta also provided updates on other injured players, Martin Zubimendi and Piero Hincapie, ahead of their upcoming match against Nottingham Forest.