William Saliba injury boost as Arsenal star begins running again

William Saliba

Arsenal have been handed a major boost in their Premier League title defence as star defender William Saliba has taken a significant step forward in his recovery.

The French centre-back has started running again as he steps up his rehabilitation from a serious back injury.

The 25-year-old has yet to feature for the Gunners this season after picking up a back problem during France’s World Cup campaign in the summer.

He lasted only 30 minutes in the semi-final defeat against Spain before being forced off.

The road to recovery

While there were initial concerns that the defender might require surgery, Arsenal opted for a cautious rehabilitation programme instead.

According to French newspaper L’Equipe, recent X-rays have shown that his recovery is progressing well, allowing him to swap his cycling work for running.

The defender’s camp has made it clear that they will not be taking any unnecessary risks with his fitness.

Speaking to L’Equipe, Saliba’s entourage said:

“He knows he has to take his time.”

They added:

“He’s suffered too much and wants to come back at 100 per cent.”

Playing through the pain

The details of Saliba’s physical struggles at the end of the previous campaign show just how much he put his body on the line.

Reports in France suggest the centre-back relied on painkillers to get through matches for both Arsenal and his country.

The physical toll was so severe that the defender was reportedly unable to move freely for up to 48 hours after games.

To ensure he recovers fully, the player has been undergoing daily treatment, massages, and physical work with Arsenal’s medical team.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta had previously urged supporters to remain patient while the defender focused on his recovery.

Speaking to reporters in the summer, Arteta said:

“He is in rest mode at the moment.”

The Gunners boss added:

“He had to do almost nothing, an aggravated injury, so it’s going to take some time to heal.”

Coping in his absence

Despite missing their defensive talisman, the reigning Premier League champions have managed to maintain their strong form.

Summer signing Ezri Konsa has stepped into the starting lineup, partnering Gabriel Magalhaes in the heart of the defence for the last three league matches.

Saliba has reportedly been keeping a close eye on his teammates, watching every game for both Arsenal and France during his spell on the sidelines.

The Frenchman is said to have been highly impressed by the performances of his replacements, Konsa and Jacquet.

However, Arteta will be desperate to reunite the formidable partnership of Saliba and Gabriel.

The duo was central to their historic title-winning campaign and their impressive run to the Champions League final last season.

A target in sight

The former Saint-Etienne defender is currently making the most of the international break by resting in the Ile-de-France region.

If his rehabilitation continues without any further complications, the defender is currently on course to make his first-team return in November.

Saliba has established himself as one of Europe’s elite defenders since his arrival in north London in 2019, making 184 appearances in all competitions.

During his time at the Emirates, he has won a Premier League title and two Community Shields, alongside runners-up medals in the Champions League and Carabao Cup.

His individual brilliance has also been recognised with four consecutive PFA Team of the Year inclusions and two Ballon d’Or nominations.

With his return on the horizon, Arsenal will be confident of maintaining their pursuit of silverware.