why is saliba not playing
William Saliba is currently not playing because he has been dealing with short‑term fitness issues, most recently an illness that ruled him out on matchday rather than any long‑term injury or disciplinary problem.
Quick Scoop: Why is Saliba not playing?
For the very latest absence (the Brentford game in February 2026), Mikel Arteta explained that Saliba felt unwell on the morning of the match and had to withdraw from the squad, staying at home with what the club described as a short‑term illness. He had been starting regularly up to that point, which strongly suggests this is a temporary setback rather than a loss of place in the team.
Earlier in the 2025–26 and 2025–26 seasons, his other notable absences were also down to physical issues rather than tactical snubs.
- He missed a big game vs Chelsea in November 2025 after feeling discomfort in training, with Arteta stressing it was “not anything serious” but enough to keep him out while they investigated.
- He has had a few previous knocks (ankle problems, minor injuries, and managed minutes) that led to him being rested or substituted early, but these were handled as short‑term fitness management rather than major layoffs.
Forum chatter from Arsenal fans reflects the same picture: people are frustrated and worried, but most accept that the club is protecting one of its most important defenders instead of risking him when he’s not 100%. A typical sentiment is that Arsenal now have more depth at centre‑back, so they can afford to be cautious with Saliba rather than rushing him back for every single match.
Key reasons you’ll see him “not playing”
- Short‑term illness (like the Brentford absence in February 2026).
- Minor training discomforts or knocks where Arteta doesn’t want to take risks (e.g., Chelsea 2025).
- Occasional rest or managed minutes after previous injuries so he doesn’t break down again.
Mini timeline of recent absences
| Date / Period | Match / Context | Why Saliba didn’t play |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 2026 | Arsenal vs Brentford (Premier League) | Withdrew on matchday due to illness; described as short‑term by Arteta. | [7][3]
| Nov 2025 | Arsenal vs Chelsea | Felt discomfort in training, ruled out as a precaution while assessed further. | [1][5][10]
| 2025–26 season (earlier) | Various games | Managed minutes and missed games linked to previous ankle/fitness issues and rotation. | [5][9][1]
What this likely means going forward
Right now, all indications are that Saliba’s most recent absence is short‑term and health‑related rather than a sign he’s been dropped. Arteta’s comments and his consistent starting run when available both point toward him going straight back into the XI once he’s fully fit again.
In forum terms, the vibe is: “He’s still our main guy at the back; they’re just wrapping him in cotton wool when he’s not 100%.”
TL;DR
Saliba isn’t playing mainly because of short‑term issues like illness and minor discomforts, with Arsenal choosing caution over risk so he can remain their defensive leader over the long season.
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.