William Saliba returned to Arsenal team training on Tuesday morning, giving Mikel Arteta a significant injury boost ahead of the Champions League trip to Slavia Prague. The central defender has been out for nearly five months after aggravating a back injury at the World Cup.
Saliba steps up recovery at London Colney
The Gunners squad held an open training session at London Colney following Sunday's 1-0 win over Liverpool. Saliba was present as he continues his recovery, having previously trained individually over the last few weeks.
Bukayo Saka was not spotted due to a thigh problem, while Christos Tzolis was out on the grass after returning from a hamstring injury on Sunday. Eberechi Eze was also in attendance despite being an unused substitute at the weekend.
Potential return date unclear
Given the length of his absence, Saliba is unlikely to go straight back into the starting XI, especially with summer signing Ezri Konsa impressing in his place. Konsa was key to the clean sheet at Anfield, which moved Arsenal three points clear of Manchester City.
Arsenal face Hull City at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday afternoon and could extend their lead at the top of the Premier League. If Saliba does not feature in Europe, he could return in that match, though he may be saved until after the November international break.
Speaking in mid-October, Arteta said: "I think next week we have another MRI with him to see how the healing process is at the moment. But every sign so far has been very, very positive, and yeah, it will be great to have him."
The Arsenal boss is set to speak to reporters in Prague later on Tuesday, where he will likely face questions on Saliba's fitness. An indication of his availability may come earlier when Arsenal announce their travelling squad or pictures emerge of him boarding the plane.
