Saliba back in Arsenal training, leaving Arteta with a defensive dilemma
William Saliba returned to first-team training with Arsenal on 3 November 2026 ahead of their Champions League meeting with Slavia Prague and a busy festive programme.
Saliba, 25, missed the entire campaign up to now because of a back injury sustained after he was withdrawn early in France's World Cup semi-final loss to Spain, having managed the problem throughout last season. He was sent to see a specialist after the World Cup, was judged not to require surgery but was given a lengthy rehabilitation programme with no set timescale; he had been doing individual training at Arsenal's base before rejoining full training.
In Saliba's absence new signing Ezri Konsa has been integrated into the centre of the defence and, alongside Gabriel Magalhaes, has helped Arsenal record the Premier League's tightest defence, conceding five goals in nine games. Saliba and Gabriel were a central partnership in last season's title-winning side, which conceded 27 league goals, and Saliba was named in the PFA team of the year for the fourth consecutive time.
Konsa joined Arsenal from Aston Villa for £55m and has started seven of Arsenal's nine Premier League matches this season, having signed hours before the opening game against Coventry and making his debut after coming on against his former club. The 29-year-old scored the opener in Arsenal's 2-0 win over Everton, produced a commanding display in the victory at Anfield, and is described as an imposing, quick defender whose aggression in challenges has impressed supporters; Arteta said Konsa's settling-in had been "unbelievable".
Konsa's background at Villa is detailed in club appearances and achievements: he made 286 appearances for Villa after joining them from Brentford in July 2019 and helped them win the Europa League in May, the club's first European trophy since 1982. He has established himself as a first-choice starter for England, starting seven of the eight games his country played at the World Cup and beginning the quarter-final against Norway at right back.
Saliba's return to full training increases competition for places and will force selection choices for Mikel Arteta, with Ben White and Jurrien Timber having been Arsenal's first-choice right-backs this season and White having been available for all but one of Arsenal's matches this campaign despite previous fitness issues for both. Konsa could be deployed at right back, the position he made his England debut in, which would allow Saliba to resume his regular partnership with Gabriel; the club have said they will be cautious with Saliba's comeback.
Saliba's availability also affects younger options: his return reduces immediate opportunities for centre-back Cristhian Mosquera, whose low number of minutes so far this season raises questions about his future despite recovery from a hamstring injury. Arsenal played 63 games in all competitions last season and, with Arteta aiming to defend the title and have European success this time out, the squad faces a congested schedule that will require rotation across a long campaign.
Arsenal host Hull on Saturday before the next international break starts this month, a period that the club expect will allow Saliba to continue building his fitness before he becomes a regular selection option again for Arteta.
