Arsenal have been handed a big injury boost on defender William Saliba ahead of the Champions League clash against Slavia Prague on the road on Wednesday night.
The Frenchman has been out of competitive action since picking up a back injury while playing in the World Cup semi-final against Spain in the United States of America.
Saliba has had a long road to recovery after opting against surgery, but it appears the centre-back could be back on the playing field for the Gunners in the near future.
Arsenal insider HandofArsenal, who previously broke the Cristhian Mosquera transfer story, has revealed that the 25-year-old has returned to full training and has smashed his recovery milestones.
Still, Arsenal are expected to be very cautious about his availability.
HandofArsenal wrote on X: “William Saliba has returned to first-team training. I’m told Saliba has absolutely smashed his recovery milestones, but Arsenal will be very cautious regarding his availability for selection. Great news.”
Saliba could make a full comeback after international break
The Saint-Etienne graduate has been integral to the club’s successful period under manager Mikel Arteta. He has formed a terrific centre-back partnership alongside Gabriel Magalhaes.
Back in the 2022/23 season, the Gunners saw their title race go into tatters after Saliba’s back problem, but they have enough cover in the squad to cope with his absence this term.
Cristhian Mosquera has provided quality back-up when required, but summer signing Ezri Konsa has made the right-back position his own lately with consistent standout displays.
The former Aston Villa man has seamlessly adapted to Arsenal’s system, forming a brilliant pairing with Gabriel. He recently won 100 percent of his ground duels with eight clearances in the 1-0 win at Liverpool.
With Konsa’s exceptional run of form, Arteta may handle Saliba with extra caution to begin with. He is unlikely to make the travelling squad for tomorrow’s European showdown against Slavia.
There is a possibility that the Frenchman could make the teamsheet for the league game against Hull City at home on Saturday. At best, we could see a late cameo from Saliba this weekend.
Ideally, Arsenal may want to assess how he reacts to regular team training. He could build his match fitness further during the next international break before returning as a regular starter.
Konsa may eventually be displaced from the right central defensive position, but his instant success means the Gunners have the luxury to delay Saliba’s return to the XI until he is 100 percent fit.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com