Mikel Arteta confirms huge William Saliba injury boost for Arsenal

Saliba has recovered from his back injury and is fit to return; Arteta confirmed he played 45 minutes in a behind-closed-doors friendly with no setbacks.

William Saliba is ready to return to Arsenal's line-up after recovering from a back injury sustained during the World Cup. The centre-back has not featured this season but was spotted back in first-team training on Tuesday and successfully completed 45 minutes in a behind-closed-doors friendly last week without any issues.

Arteta confirmed in his pre-match press conference ahead of Arsenal's Champions League clash with Slavia Prague that Saliba is fit and available. "He's in a really good place," the manager said. "His evolution has been as expected. He feels really comfortable." Arteta indicated the defender is ready for full minutes rather than a gradual return, noting that centre-backs typically need to play 90 minutes when they do feature.

Saliba's return gives Arteta a selection dilemma, as summer signing Ezri Konsa has impressed as his replacement, forming a strong partnership with Gabriel. However, Arteta welcomed the added depth, suggesting Konsa could move to right-back to accommodate Saliba in the starting line-up.