William Saliba is still working his way back from the back injury that has kept him out since February, and this William Saliba update makes clear there is no rush to bring him back early. According to the report cited by L’Equipe, the defender is taking every precaution with his comeback.
The problem has dogged Saliba for months. A friend speaking to L’Equipe said he played through the pain barrier for Arsenal and France, and was barely able to move for a couple of days after matches. L’Equipe’s reporting adds, as an unconfirmed claim, that the issue worsened during the World Cup. The defeat to the eventual champions was his last game before a long rest and rehab period began.
Patience is the key for Saliba
Mikel Arteta addressed Saliba’s situation directly, asking supporters for patience while the centre-back works through his rehabilitation. Describing the injury as a serious setback that cannot be rushed, the Arsenal manager said:
“He is in rest mode at the moment. He had to do almost nothing, an aggravated injury, so it’s going to take some time to heal. We know that.”
A friend of Saliba’s gave L’Equipe a similar message about his mindset during recovery.
“He knows he has to take his time. He’s suffered too much and wants to come back at 100 per cent,” they said. An unnamed source close to the player added simply: “He misses it too much.”
According to the report cited, Saliba has been receiving daily treatment and massages as part of his recovery programme. The same report says he has progressed enough to move from stationary bike work back onto the training pitch, where he is now running again.
Arsenal and France not forcing Saliba back
Saliba’s absence has been felt at both club and international level since February. Arsenal went into the new season already managing without him. At the time, that led to the opening-day gamble Arteta was forced into at the back.
France have not been short of answers either. Without Saliba available, they have won their opening two Nations League games, beating Turkey and Belgium. Arteta’s message to Arsenal supporters reflects the same approach that there is no sense in forcing one of the club’s most important defenders back before he is ready.
When will Saliba be available again?
According to L’Equipe-linked coverage, Saliba is hoped to be available again in November, though no exact timeframe has been set by Arsenal or the player’s camp. His shift from cycling to running marks a genuine step forward, but the club has stopped short of naming a fixture or return date.
Supporters can follow how the William Saliba update develops in our Saliba timeline, which will be refreshed as fresh details emerge from Arsenal and the French camp. For now, daily treatment continues, and Arteta’s stance remains that Saliba’s recovery will not be rushed for the sake of the fixture list.
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