William Saliba came through his appearance for Arsenal's Under-21s without any fresh injury concerns, with the defender playing the first half of a 5-2 win over Aston Villa at Boreham Wood's Meadow Park.
The Frenchman started the match on Sunday as he continues to step up his comeback from a serious back injury that has kept him out since the World Cup semi-finals in the summer. Saliba is now closing in on a return to first-team action.
Pre-Planned Substitution
Saliba was replaced at half-time, but Arsenal's U21s head coach David Horseman confirmed that was always the intention. "He's fine, by the way, it was all pre-planned, so nobody needs to panic," Horseman said.
Saliba had been named in Arsenal's matchday squad against Slavia Prague in the Champions League last week, though manager Mikel Arteta then opted against involving him against Hull in the Premier League on Saturday. It was decided that minutes for the U21s would be more beneficial.
Influence on Young Squad
Saliba was at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday to watch Arsenal beat Hull 1-0 and extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table to five points. He then joined up with the U21s on Sunday morning and impressed Horseman with his attitude and impact on the young group.
"Just the way he was in the meeting, everything about him, the way he prepares on the bus, the lads probably won't notice it, but they should," Horseman said. "The way he coaches and talks on the pitch, and then his quality, like the pass from Max to slip in Marcell [Washington] for Andre's [Harriman-Annous] first goal. The detail of play, and he mixed his game up between short and long.
"Obviously, everybody knows he's a world-class defender, one of the best in the world, if not the best. It was brilliant, but he was so good around the lads, you'd never know it."
Return to First Team
Horseman praised Saliba's professionalism during his time with the U21s. "He's a brilliant pro, great guy, and we're really thankful for him to act like that, because if he does it, there's no excuse for the rest not to do it. It was brilliant having him. I'd love him every week. Obviously, that'd be lovely, but he'll leave us soon and go back with the first team."
Saliba was not named in the latest France squad by Zinedine Zidane. Max Dowman, who is serving a three-match suspension at senior level after his sending off in the Carabao Cup defeat by Fleetwood, was among the scorers as he starred in a playmaker role.
