ESPN FC reports that Saliba took part in a training session on Tuesday, the day before Arsenal's Champions League match at Slavia Prague. He has been out since France's 2-0 World Cup semifinal defeat to Spain, when he was substituted during the first half.
According to Arsenal's July statement, the back problem did not need surgery but required a prolonged recovery. Arteta said: "He feels ready to go now, so whether we use him or not is a matter of what the team needs."
ESPN FC also reports that Saliba's central defensive partnership with Gabriel Magalhães was central to Arsenal's Premier League title last season. It adds that Ezri Konsa has played well since arriving in the summer, which is unconfirmed as a reason Saliba may not be rushed back, and that Arteta has floated moving Konsa to right back, an idea that remains unconfirmed.
WHY IT MATTERS
Saliba's return gives Arteta a decision over whether to restore a centre-back pairing that helped win the league last season, or keep a settled back line that has been working in his absence.
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Source
AI-assisted · written by OneTouch from ESPN FC reporting, not editor reviewed
