William Saliba Back in Arsenal Training Ahead of Slavia Prague Match

Saliba Returns to Training

William Saliba is back in full training with Arsenal, three and a half months after his last match. The center back trained with the squad on Tuesday, just ahead of their Champions League fixture against Slavia Prague.

Saliba has been sidelined with a back injury sustained during France's 2-0 loss to Spain in the World Cup semifinals. Arsenal confirmed in July that the injury did not require surgery, but needed a lengthy period of rehabilitation.

Arteta Weighs Defensive Options

Manager Mikel Arteta said Saliba is in a really good place after completing 45 minutes in a match behind closed doors last week. Arteta noted that his recovery went as expected and that Saliba feels ready to play, though any selection decision will depend on what the squad needs.

Saliba formed an effective defensive pair with Gabriel Magalhães during Arsenal's Premier League winning campaign last season. In his absence, summer signing Ezri Konsa has delivered strong performances in defense. Arteta could retain Konsa in central defense or move him to right back, a role Konsa previously filled for Aston Villa and England. Jurriën Timber and Ben White are also available at right back.

Asked about having all three center backs fit, Arteta laughed and said that having those options is a luxury rather than a problem. He noted it will allow the club to manage player workload much better during a busy schedule.

What it means for the next game

Slavia Prague vs Arsenal (Champions League, Wed, 04 Nov): Slavia Prague win 10%, draw 16%, Arsenal win 74%; expected goals 0.89 to 2.64. Our safest pick: Arsenal to win.

Arsenal vs Hull City (Premier League, Sat, 07 Nov): Arsenal win 79%, draw 14%, Hull City win 7%; expected goals 2.78 to 0.76. Our safest pick: Over 2.5 goals.