Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will quickly have a giant defensive dilemma.
However it’s one which will likely be each welcome to the Arsenal boss and the envy of different high groups throughout the continent.
That is as a result of William Saliba – a key determine within the Gunners’ title win final season – is again in coaching, having missed your entire marketing campaign up to now due to a again damage following his early withdrawal in France’s World Cup semi-final loss to Spain.
The 25-year-old has been one of many Premier League’s high defenders in current seasons however – in his absence – summer season signing Ezri Konsa has stepped in seamlessly to assist Arsenal again to the highest of the desk.
Certainly, since Konsa’s arrival from Aston Villa for £55m, he and Gabriel Magalhaes have struck up a formidable partnership, with Arsenal once more boasting the league’s tightest defence, conceding simply 5 objectives in 9 video games.
Saliba had been managing his again challenge all through final season however was despatched to see a specialist after the World Cup.
It was determined he didn’t have to endure surgical procedure however would require a prolonged rehabilitation. No timescale on his return was set.
The France worldwide had been doing particular person coaching at Arsenal’s base however has now returned to full coaching earlier than their Champions League assembly with Slavia Prague after which, a busy festive schedule looming.
Saliba and common accomplice Gabriel had been an enormous cause why the Gunners received the Premier League title for the primary time in 22 years final season.
Their partnership was the bedrock of Arteta’s group, which conceded solely 27 league objectives. Saliba was then named within the PFA group of the 12 months for the fourth consecutive time.
Arsenal have at all times mentioned that they are going to be cautious with Saliba’s return however his return to health will go away Arteta with some robust selections to make in his backline.