Arsenal take on Slavia Prague in tonight’s Champions League clash at the Fortuna Arena.
The Gunners have won in their last two visits to Slavia with a 7-0 aggregate and should be favourites to beat the Czech champions.
Ahead of the game, the club have received a major injury boost with centre-back William Saliba back in full training after a lengthy back injury.
Saliba has already played 45 minutes behind closed doors to build his fitness, and manager Mikel Arteta confirmed that he feels ‘ready to go’.
He told reporters (via Arsenal.com): “Yes, he’s in a really good place. I think the process and the timings and in the manner that the injury has been dealt with, and especially the feelings that Willy has been having along the way, they’ve been very, very positive.
“So, his evolution has been as expected, which is not always the case. He feels very comfortable. He played 45 minutes [behind] closed doors last week and he feels ready to go. So whether we use him or not now is a matter of what the team needs.”
Saliba could make first appearance of the season
The Frenchman’s back injury at the World Cup was a huge concern for the Gunners, but they have successfully filled the void through Enzi Konsa this campaign.
The 29-year-old arrived from Aston Villa for big money over the summer, and has proved a fantastic acquisition, delivering consistent displays in the heart of the defence.
He has made the right centre-back position his own and has formed a brilliant partnership with Gabriel Magalhaes. Konsa recently won 100 percent of his ground duels at Liverpool.
Ideally, Saliba will be reinstated into the XI, replacing Konsa. However, Arteta could ease the former back into action after a lengthy lay-off. He may feature as a substitute first.
The £27 million signing could come off the bench against Slavia tonight. He could likewise do so against Hull City in the Premier League before the next international break.
Saliba is most likely to become a regular starter when the season resumes after the interval.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com