_1_
Arsenal defender William Saliba (25) is on track to make a return from injury during the month of November, as per a report from **[L’Équipe](https://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Article/Des-heures-de-kine-parties-de-playstation-et-balades-a-velo-trois-mois-apres-sa-blessure-au-dos-ou-en-est-william-saliba/1722383).**
The Frenchman played through back issues at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. There were significant concerns pre-tournament that he would miss the World Cup entirely due to the issue, but he started all of _Les Bleus’_ games up to and including their semi-final defeat to Spain. It was during the first half of the defeat to _La Roja_ that the Arsenal defender eventually broke down.
Saliba opted against surgery in favour of a more conservative treatment. There is no question of rushing the defender’s return. However, a scan earlier this month showed that he was making good progress in his recovery and that he was likely on course for a return next month. In his absence, Ezri Konsa has performed well for Arsenal, whilst Liverpool’s Jérémy Jacquet has also taken his chance with the France national team.
[GFFN](https://www.getfootballnewsfrance.com/#google_vignette) | Luke Entwistle