William Saliba
Center Back
Back Line Anchor
Mar 24, 2001 (25)
Right
6'4"
203 lb
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2026 World Cup
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2026 World Cup
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Showing positive signs in recovery
Saliba (back) continues to make encouraging progress in his recovery and is scheduled to undergo another MRI next week to assess whether he could return before the November international break, according to coach Mikel Arteta. "I think next week we have another MRI with him to see how the healing process is at the moment, but every sign so far has been very, very positive. It will be great to have him."
Analysis: Saliba has been sidelined since July after suffering a back injury during the final stages of the World Cup. The center-back has resumed individual on-field training and is gradually increasing his workload, although he has yet to return to full team sessions. Next week's MRI will provide a clearer indication of his recovery progress, with a return before the November international break still a possibility. Once fully fit, Saliba will be in contention to reclaim a starting role alongside Gabriel in Arsenal's central defense.
Still weeks away from return
Saliba (back) remains several weeks away from returning to Arsenal's squad despite resuming individual on-field training, according to coach Mikel Arteta. "It's over a week I think [he's been on the grass], obviously we're managing that load. He's building now his capacity to good standards, and let's see in the next few weeks if we can start to introduce him to the team to see where we are to actually make him available for the squad."
Analysis: Saliba has been sidelined since July due to a back injury sustained during the final stages of the World Cup but has now spent more than a week working individually on the pitch. The defender is gradually increasing his workload, although he has yet to resume full team training and remains several weeks away from competitive action. A return around the November international break remains possible, but the exact timeline is uncertain due to the nature of his injury. Once fully fit, Saliba could compete with Ezri Konsa for a starting role alongside Gabriel in Arsenal's central defense.
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