Arsenal receive huge boost as William Saliba returns to training

The 25-year-old centre-back returns to first-team training after missing the season with a back injury sustained at the World Cup.

William Saliba has returned to Arsenal's first-team training ahead of Wednesday's Champions League match against Slavia Prague, marking a significant step in his recovery from a back injury picked up during the summer's World Cup.

The Premier League title-winning defender has not featured this season due to the injury. Summer signing Ezri Konsa has filled the void effectively alongside Gabriel Magalhaes, helping Arsenal keep four consecutive Premier League clean sheets, including a 1-0 victory at Liverpool on Sunday — the club's first win at Anfield in 14 years.

While Saliba's return to training is a major boost for Mikel Arteta's side as they defend their Premier League crown, the 25-year-old is unlikely to be rushed back into action following his extended absence.