Arsenal have received a significant boost with William Saliba returning to first-team training. He’s spent almost four months out with a back injury.
The French international was seen returning to training on the pitch. Sparking hope that he could be back in action soon for Mikel Arteta.
Saliba has been sidelined since he suffered the injury in France’s 2-0 semi-final defeat to Spain. The defender was forced off after only 30 minutes after playing the full 90 in his previous five starts at the tournament.
The player was confirmed by Arsenal to be sidelined for a lengthy period of time in July. He did not require surgery, meaning he can begin working back into action.
His latest progress comes at an important point in Arsenal’s season, with several major fixtures approaching.
Saliba closes in on Arsenal comeback
The 25-year-old has travelled to the Czech Republic with Arsenal’s squad to face Slavia Prague in the Champions League.
Arteta confirmed that Saliba had played for 45 minutes in a behind-closed-moors game last week as part of his rehab.
He then returned to full first team training on Tuesday, providing another defensive option for the club.
Arteta spoke ahead of the game against Slavia Prague. He said that Saliba is happy with his recovery and is at a point where he will be used if needed.
The Arsenal manager has not confirmed if the Frenchman will be involved tonight.
Saliba has not played in a competitive game since losing to Spain in the World Cup semi-final for France. So it will be his first involvement in a competitive game since the summer.
Arteta has defensive selection decision to make
Arsenal have coped well with Saliba’s absence.
Gabriel initially partnered Cristhian Mosquera at centre-back before the Spaniard suffered an ankle injury. This allowed Ezri Konsa to come into the starting line-up.
Ezri Konsa settled into a partnership with the Brazilian. He joined from Aston Villa for £51 million in the summer.
The partnership has helped the Gunners to have the best defensive record in the Premier League. Having only conceded 5 goals in their first 9 games.
Now that Saliba is available, Arteta has more options and flexibility with his defenders.
The manager has had past success with Saliba and Gabriel as his first-choice central defensive pairing. Their understanding has played a big part in Arsenal’s defensive displays.
However, Konsa has provided Arteta with another selection dilemma to consider when Saliba is back to full fitness.
Manchester City clash adds importance to Saliba return
Arsenal have a busy schedule ahead after today’s Champions League game at Slavia Prague.
On Saturday they play Hull City, followed by games against Manchester City, Real Madrid and Tottenham after the international break in November.
If Saliba can come back in, it will give Arteta more defensive options to play with, but they won’t want to rush him back.
The defender played 50 times last season, helping Arsenal win the Premier League and reach the Champions League final. He also ranked 29th in the men’s Ballon d’Or in October.
His return to training is a major step in his road to full fitness, but it remains to be seen if he will play against Slavia Prague tonight.
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