Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterArsenal have been given an update on William Saliba's recovery.The Gunners have enjoyed a positive start to the season, losing just one game in all competitions so far but rather than enjoying three weeks off from domestic football, manager Mikel Arteta has been sweating over the fitness of several of his players.With Arsenal suffering something of a mini-crisis when it comes to injuries, the availability of star centre-back William Saliba is something that Arteta will be monitoring closely.William Saliba 'on the brink of a return' - despite long-term back problemSaliba went into the World Cup managing his fitness and was eventually hauled off in the semi-final of the competition after collapsing on the pitch against Spain.According to a statement from Arsenal, Subsequent specialist reviews on Williams return to London this week have confirmed that he has suffered a back injury which will require a period of rehabilitation. You may like Arsenal 'unlikely' to secure William Saliba backup, in yet ANOTHER transfer blow: report What is William Saliba's injury? France and Arsenal defender taken off against Spain Arsenal star Jurrien Timber 'sits out training' following injury-plagued summer: report While surgery was discussed, it wasn't recommended for the Frenchman, who has been working on a managed recovery programme since.TEAMtalk now say that Saliba is on the brink of a return and that sources believe the player could be available to face Bayern Munich in the Allianz Arena this month.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.However, Arsenal are taking no risks with their star defender and are instead pencilling in either the home Premier League fixture against Everton (October 24) or, perhaps more realistically, the Carabao Cup clash at Fleetwood (October 27) as more realistic return dates, the report adds.The Gunners drafted in Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa as Saliba's replacement, with the England international having settled into life in North London well.Konsa, too, suffered a knock during the international break, however, and sat out the fixture against the Czech Republic.Kai Havertz picked up an injury against the Netherlands, Martin Odegaard had a nasty kick from Bernardo Silva, and now Christos Tzolis has withdrawn from Greece duty, as the injuries mount up in London Colney.Ben White was unavailable for Thomas Tuchel to select for England, while Piero Hincapie and Cristhian Mosquera both have knocks.Arsenal host Leeds United when Premier League action resumes.TOPICSArsenalMark WhiteSocial Links NavigationContent EditorMark White has been at on FourFourTwo since joining in January 2020, first as a staff writer before becoming content editor in 2023. An encyclopedia of football shirts and boots knowledge both past and present Mark has also represented FFT at both FA Cup and League Cup finals (though didn't receive a winners' medal on either occasion) and has written pieces for the mag ranging on subjects from Bobby Robson's season at Barcelona to Robinho's career. He has written cover features for the mag on Mikel Arteta and Martin Odegaard, and is assisted by his cat, Rosie, who has interned for the brand since lockdown.
