William Saliba has returned to full training at Arsenal, 3½ months after his last game in the World Cup semifinals for France. The center back has been recovering from a back injury that did not require surgery but needed an extended rehabilitation period. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta confirmed Saliba is in a really good place and feels ready to go, though his return may depend on team needs.
Saliba has not played since being substituted during the first half of France's 2-0 semifinal loss to Spain. His partnership with Gabriel Magalhães was key to Arsenal winning the Premier League last season. However, summer signing Ezri Konsa has impressed in his absence, and Arteta may not rush Saliba back into the first team.
One option could be switching Konsa to right back, where he has previously played. Arteta also has Jurriën Timber and Ben White as options at right back. Asked if he saw it as a problem that all three center backs were now available, Arteta laughed and said they haven't had that luxury yet.
Source: ESPN Soccer · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing