Arsenal boost as William Saliba steps up injury return and new timeline emerges

Saliba stepped up recovery with individual grass drills on Monday; Arsenal targeting November international break for potential return.

William Saliba has progressed in his recovery from a serious back injury sustained at the World Cup, stepping onto the training pitch for individual drills with Arsenal coaches on Monday. The 25-year-old centre-back has missed the entire season so far after specialists ruled out surgery but recommended extended rest. Manager Mikel Arteta said Saliba is building his capacity cautiously and the club hopes to introduce him with the team in the coming weeks, with a potential return around the November international break, though Arteta stressed they are still talking about weeks rather than days.