William Saliba targets November return after beginning Arsenal injury recovery

William Saliba has resumed running as he continues his recovery from a back injury and is aiming to return to Arsenal’s first-team squad in November.

The France defender has not played for Arsenal this season after the club announced in July that he would be sidelined for “a long period”. The injury occurred after Saliba returned from the World Cup, where he played only 30 minutes in France’s semi-final defeat by Spain, who went on to win the tournament this year.

There were initially concerns that the 25-year-old would need surgery. Arsenal later confirmed that an operation would not be required, but said Saliba would instead need “a long period of rehabilitation” to recover fully and return to his usual level.

His absence has given summer signing Ezri Konsa an extended opportunity in defence. Konsa has started Arsenal’s past three matches alongside Gabriel.

Cautious approach to recovery

The English newspaper Metro, citing French publication L’Equipe, reported that Saliba had used painkillers to help him through much of the latter part of last season and the World Cup. It said he was often unable to move freely for between 24 and 48 hours after matches.

Saliba is reportedly receiving daily treatment and massage, as well as attending daily physiotherapy sessions with Arsenal’s specialists. The club is said to be taking a cautious approach to the centre-back’s rehabilitation.

The former Saint-Etienne player has now progressed from cycling to running, but his return to competitive football will ultimately depend on how his body responds over the coming weeks.

A November comeback is understood to be Saliba’s target if his recovery continues without further setbacks. His return date, however, will be determined by his progress rather than a fixed timetable.

Saliba is currently using the international break to take a short period of rest away from London. He has travelled to the Ile-de-France region in north-central France to spend several days recovering.