Saliba returns to training as Arsenal prepare for Champions League

Summarised from 3 outlets · 5 reports · Updated 3 Nov, 19:56 · Archive

William Saliba has returned to first-team training after a back injury that has kept him sidelined since July.

William Saliba has returned to Arsenal's first-team training after a back injury that has sidelined him since July. The French centre-back suffered the injury during France's World Cup semi-final against Spain and has undergone specialist treatment, though surgery was not required.

Arteta confirmed that Saliba played 45 minutes in a behind-closed-doors friendly last week without complications. "He's in a really good place," the manager said on Tuesday. "His evolution has been as expected." Saliba has travelled with the squad for Wednesday's Champions League match against Slavia Prague.

Arsenal are expected to manage Saliba's return carefully after summer signing Ezri Konsa impressed in his absence alongside Gabriel Magalhaes. The pair kept four consecutive Premier League clean sheets, including a 1-0 victory at Liverpool. Arteta warned that Saliba "needs to be available to play a full role," suggesting he will not have minutes rationed, though whether he plays immediately remains to be seen.

How it is being reported

• Arteta backs Saliba’s readiness to return for Arsenal at Slavia PragueDefender travelled with squad after long injury absence ‘I have clips’: Arteta hits back after Liverpool complaints Mikel Arteta is confident that William Saliba is ready to make his first appearance of the season for Arsenal after he played 45 minutes of a match behind closed doors last week. The France defender started training on his own last month after the back injury he sustained at the World Cup but has since resumed full training and on Tuesday travelled with Arsenal’s squad to face Slavia Prague. It remains to be seen whether Saliba will feature in the Czech capital given such a…Guardian Sport · 3 Nov, 20:31
• Mikel Arteta confirms huge William Saliba injury boost for ArsenalDefender Saliba hasn’t played for Arsenal this season due to a back injury but was spotted in training on Tuesday and Arteta says he is fit once moreIndependent Sport · 3 Nov, 20:08
• Mikel Arteta confirms major Arsenal injury boost in new William Saliba updateDefender has been sidelined for the whole season so farEvening Standard · 3 Nov, 19:30
• Arsenal receive huge boost as William Saliba returns to trainingEzri Konsa has impressed as Saliba’s replacement so far this seasonIndependent Sport · 3 Nov, 12:31
• William Saliba: Arsenal handed huge injury boost as defender returns to trainingFrenchman has been sidelined since July with a back injuryEvening Standard · 3 Nov, 12:04

In this story: William Saliba · Arsenal · Mikel Arteta · France · Spain · Slavia Prague · Ezri Konsa · Gabriel Magalhaes

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