Mikel Arteta has said Arsenal would have no issue with William Saliba being named in the France squad, with the defender yet to play a minute for club or country this season.
Saliba has been sidelined with a back injury since being forced off in the World Cup semi-final defeat by Spain in July. He stepped up his recovery in recent weeks and on Wednesday made his first return to Arsenal's matchday squad as an unused substitute against Slavia Prague in the Champions League.
It remains to be seen whether he is involved against Hull in the Premier League on Saturday, and there is a chance his first minutes this season come with France rather than Arsenal, with the defender in contention for Zinedine Zidane's latest Les Bleus squad.
Close contact with French medical staff
Arsenal have been in discussions with the French medical staff over Saliba's situation. Arteta said on Friday: "We've been in very close contact. They're announcing [their squad] at 5pm this evening."
"They have all the information, now it's about them, about Zinedine in this case to make the call. We will accept whatever it is."
Fitness boost for Arsenal
Arteta also suggested that Saliba joining up with France could be a positive for Arsenal as the club look to build his fitness. France travel to take on Italy next Thursday before hosting Turkey three days later in their final Nations League matches.
Asked whether he had concerns about Saliba being named in the French squad, Arteta said: "It's something that is between them more. William needs minutes as well. I know how much he loves it, to be in and around the national team."
"It's a new manager [Zidane], a really exciting one as well. Whatever is decided, it's fine for us."
