William Saliba's return gives Mikel Arteta selection headache at Arsenal
Arsenal defender William Saliba has returned to full training following a long-term back injury. His return creates a selection dilemma for manager Mikel Arteta, given the strong performance of the current defensive partnership.
Why it matters
Saliba's return is a major development for Arsenal's title aspirations and defensive stability in the Premier League.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, William Saliba has returned to first-team training for Arsenal
Arsenal reporter Published 3 November 2026 Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will soon have a big defensive dilemma.
But it is one that will be both welcome to the Arsenal boss and the envy of other top teams across the continent.
That's because William Saliba - a key figure in the Gunners' title win last season - is back in training, having missed the entire campaign so far because of a back injury following his early withdrawal in France's World Cup semi-final loss to Spain.
The 25-year-old has been one of the Premier League's top defenders in recent seasons but - in his absence - summer signing Ezri Konsa has stepped in seamlessly to help Arsenal back to the top of the table.
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