Arsenal plan to retake their official squad photo for this season to include William Saliba, who was a surprise absentee from the initial team snap released earlier this week.
The photo, which featured the Premier League trophy and Community Shield in front of manager Mikel Arteta and his players, was taken without Saliba. The Frenchman was the only squad member not to feature on the day, with the wider backroom staff also included in the pictures.
Medical appointment cited for absence
Arsenal announced that Saliba's absence was due to a "medical appointment" as he continues his recovery from a serious back injury.
"What happened was that we have tried to do that picture three times already, but we have had to cancel it at the last minute for different reasons," Arteta said.
"We have some commercial obligations and had people who came and flew over to do that, so we decided to do that picture at least."
Retake confirmed by Arteta
Arteta confirmed that another full team photo would be taken when Saliba is available, saying: "Yes."
"We'll have another picture with the whole family. Hopefully we can get them all together at some point one day, and will announce that as well," he added.
Saliba, known as one of the most laid-back characters in the Arsenal dressing room, has not played for the club since last season's Champions League final. He is yet to feature this season after it was decided that a significant period of rest was required to overcome his back issue.
Recovery progress
Saliba has still been present at the club's training ground and has returned to the grass for some individual drills over the past week.
Asked what the defender thought about missing the photo, Arteta replied: "It wasn't in his hands. Normally he's happy about everything. He knows how loved he is. They were taking some banter all of the players. He's completely fine."
Saliba has been out of action since he was forced off in France's World Cup semi-final defeat by Spain in the summer. Arsenal are hoping to have him back around the November international break, though the club are expected to be cautious with his return after such a long spell out.
"I think next week we have another MRI with him to see how the healing process is at the moment," Arteta said. "But every sign so far has been very, very positive. It will be great to have him."
