William Saliba has rejoined Arsenal’s first-team training sessions, providing a major boost for the club as they prepare for their upcoming Champions League fixture against Slavia Prague. The 25-year-old French international has been sidelined since his early exit during France’s World Cup semi-final defeat to Spain, having missed the entirety of the current campaign due to a persistent back injury.
The return of the star defender, who was previously named in the PFA team of the year for four consecutive seasons, presents Mikel Arteta with a difficult selection choice. While Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes were the central pillars of the side that secured the Premier League title last season—conceding only 27 league goals—their defensive cohesion has been matched by a new pairing this term. Saliba and regular partner Gabriel were a huge reason why the Gunners won the Premier League title for the first time in 22 years last season.
In Saliba’s absence, summer signing Ezri Konsa has seamlessly integrated into the starting lineup following his 55 million pound move from Aston Villa. Konsa and Gabriel have established a formidable partnership that has helped Arsenal return to the summit of the table, with the team boasting the tightest defense in the Premier League after conceding just five goals across nine matches. But it is one that will be both welcome to the Arsenal boss and the envy of other top teams across the continent.
Saliba’s injury management involved seeing a specialist after the World Cup, where it was determined that surgery was unnecessary despite the need for a lengthy rehabilitation process.
Although Arsenal officials have maintained a cautious stance regarding his fitness, the player has now transitioned from individual sessions at the club’s base to full team training. With a busy festive schedule ahead, Arteta must now decide how to integrate his defensive mainstay back into a side that is currently operating at an elite level.
