William Saliba: Arsenal handed huge injury boost as defender returns to training

Frenchman has been sidelined since July with a back injury

William Saliba handed Arsenal a huge boost by taking part in the final training session before the Champions League match against Slavia Prague.

The Frenchman has not played a single minute since he limped off after half an hour of France's World Cup semi-final against Spain.

Saliba was sent to see specialists on that back injury and while it was decided that surgery was not necessary, an extended period of rest has been required.

His recovery has gone well and Saliba has been back on the grass in recent weeks, going through individual training drills.

That has now been stepped up significantly, with Saliba understood to have to been back in first-team training on Monday.

The 25-year-old came through that without any issues and he was involved again on Tuesday morning, as the Arsenal squad trained in front of the media.

Mikel Arteta and his players will fly out to Prague later in the day ahead of facing Slavia Prague on Wednesday night.

It remains to be seen whether Saliba is included in that travelling squad, with Arsenal understandably cautious over his return to action.

The Gunners face Hull on Saturday before then having two weeks off for the November international break, allowing Saliba further time on the training pitch to build his fitness.

Saliba's return will leave Arteta with a serious selection headache heading into another hectic period.

Ezri Konsa, signed in the summer to cover for Saliba's absence, has been superb alongside Gabriel and probably Arsenal's best player so far this season.

The England international's strong form will allow Arsenal to ease Saliba back into action without taking significant risks with his fitness.

When Saliba is fully back up to speed, Konsa could shift to right-back if Arteta is keen to keep him in the side.