Saliba returns to training as Arsenal weigh defensive options
William Saliba is back in training, but Arsenal's defensive form under Ezri Konsa has made the choice a welcome problem for Mikel Arteta.
Key points
- William Saliba has returned to training at Arsenal after missing the season so far with a back injury.
- He did not need surgery but faces a lengthy rehabilitation, and no return date has been set.
- Ezri Konsa has started seven of Arsenal's nine Premier League games and helped the club return to the top.
- Arsenal have conceded just five league goals in nine games this season.
- Arteta may need to move Konsa to right-back to fit Saliba back into the side.
According to BBC Sport, William Saliba has returned to training with Arsenal. The development gives manager Mikel Arteta a defensive selection problem that many rival clubs would envy. The France international has not played this season because of a back problem.
Saliba, 25, was forced off early in France’s World Cup semi-final defeat by Spain. He had managed the back issue through last season, but a specialist consultation afterwards found that surgery was not needed. Instead, he faces a long rehabilitation, and no date for his comeback has been set.
Konsa has filled the gap
In Saliba’s absence, Ezri Konsa has played a major role. Arsenal signed the England defender from Aston Villa for £55m, shortly before their opening match against Coventry. He made his debut against his former club, and he has since started seven of the club’s nine Premier League matches.
Konsa, 29, had 286 Villa appearances behind him when he left, having moved from Brentford in July 2019. Last May he was part of the Villa side that lifted the Europa League, ending a long wait for a European trophy that dated back to 1982. At Arsenal, he has formed a strong partnership with Gabriel Magalhaes. Together they have helped the Gunners return to the top of the table, conceding just five league goals in nine games.
Arteta has described the way Konsa has settled in as remarkable. Konsa scored the opening goal in a 2-0 win over Everton. On Sunday he was again impressive as Arsenal won at Anfield, their first victory there in 14 years.
Why the choice matters
Saliba and Gabriel were central to Arsenal’s Premier League title last season, the club’s first league crown in 22 years. Their partnership formed the core of a backline that conceded only 27 league goals. The PFA also selected Saliba in its team of the year, a fourth straight honour of that kind.
Arsenal have said they will handle Saliba’s return with caution. Once he is fit, Arteta must decide how to fit him back into the side. One option is moving Konsa to right-back, a position he has also played for England. That would allow Saliba to return alongside Gabriel in his usual spot.
Options for the manager
- Arteta already has White and Timber, who have been the regular choices at right-back so far this term.
- White has missed only a single match this season, showing good availability.
- Young centre-back Cristhian Mosquera has had few minutes, which raises questions about his future.
- Mosquera has recovered from a hamstring injury, but his playing time remains limited.
Arsenal host Hull on Saturday. The next international break this month will give Saliba more time to build his fitness. The club also face Slavia Prague in the Champions League, followed by a busy festive schedule.
A demanding season ahead
Last term, the club took part in 63 matches across every competition, winning the league and reaching the Champions League final. With the club aiming to defend the title and achieve European success, Arteta will need to rotate his options. Saliba’s return is good news for the squad, but it also means that someone will be left out.
Frequently asked questions
Is William Saliba fit to play for Arsenal again?
Saliba has returned to training, but he faces a lengthy rehabilitation. No timescale for his return to play has been set, according to BBC Sport.
Why did Saliba miss the start of the season?
Saliba has missed the season so far because of a back injury. He was sent to a specialist after the World Cup, and it was decided he did not need surgery.
Sources
This article was written with the help of AI from reports by the outlets listed above. See our Editorial Policy. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.
