Saliba returns to Arsenal training after injury
French defender is available to Mikel Arteta after three and a half months out with a back problem.
November 3, 2026
Defender William Saliba has returned to Arsenal training after three and a half months out of action due to injury.
Recovery after World Cup issue
French defender William Saliba has returned to normal training with Arsenal's main squad after a long recovery period. The player had been out since the World Cup semifinal for France, when he suffered a back injury. According to ESPN FC and The Guardian Football, the player played for 45 minutes in a closed training match last week and traveled with the delegation for the match against Slavia Prague.
Option for Arteta in the Champions League
The player's return expands the defensive options for coach Mikel Arteta for the rest of the European tournaments. According to BBC Sport Football, the defender's reintegration generates healthy competition in the London team's defensive sector. Arsenal leads the Champions League standings with 24 points in 8 games played, with a perfect campaign of 8 wins so far.
Consistent moment for the team
Even without the defender during the recovery period, the English club maintained recent competitive stability. In the last 5 registered games, Arsenal achieved 4 wins and 1 draw, coming from a 1-0 win over Liverpool. The return of William Saliba strengthens the defensive system at a decisive moment in the European season.
Sources
- https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/50371277/william-saliba-arsenal-injury-training-mikel-arteta
- https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/nov/03/arteta-backs-salibas-readiness-to-return-for-arsenal-at-slavia-prague
- https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cxj0l3pd9jy7o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss