Overview
- L'Equipe reports that William Saliba has restarted running after a recent x-ray showed his recovery is on track, and he is aiming to return sometime in November.
- Saliba injured his back in the World Cup semi-final against Spain and has been sidelined since the summer, missing eight club matches and two international fixtures.
- He is expected to remain unavailable for Arsenal's October schedule and will almost certainly miss the November 1 trip to Liverpool, though a late-November comeback could make him eligible for the home game against Manchester City.
- Saliba has watched Arsenal and France while sidelined and has praised the performances of his temporary replacements, which could complicate his reintegration into starting lineups.
- Medical staff will follow a cautious progression from running to full training and match fitness, so no specific comeback date is confirmed and fitness checks will determine when he returns to competitive action.