Will William Saliba play tonight? Arsenal latest team news as defender returns from injury

Saliba returns to full training after 3.5 months out with a back injury and travelled with Arsenal to Prague; Arteta says he's ready but may not start tonight.

William Saliba has returned to full training after spending three and a half months sidelined with a back problem that required rehabilitation rather surgery. The centre-back took part in Tuesday's session at London Colney and travelled with the squad to Prague for tonight's Champions League match against Slavia Prague.

Arteta confirmed Saliba is "in a really good place" and has progressed as expected. The defender played 45 minutes in a behind-closed-doors friendly last week and "feels ready to go now." However, the manager suggested he may not be rushed straight back into the starting XI, noting that Ezri Konsa has delivered strong performances during Saliba's absence and the team's needs will dictate whether he features tonight.

With Saliba, Konsa, Jurrien Timber and Ben White all available, Arteta said having the full complement of defensive options is not a problem but rather an opportunity to better manage player rotation through a congested fixture schedule.