Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is preparing for a selection dilemma most Premier League managers would welcome. William Saliba has returned to first-team training after missing the entire campaign so far with a back injury, giving the Gunners an abundance of elite defensive options.


Saliba had been managing the issue towards the end of last season before being forced off after 30 minutes in France’s World Cup semi-final defeat by Spain. He was assessed by a specialist after the tournament, with Arsenal deciding against surgery and instead prescribing a lengthy rehabilitation programme.


Saliba’s importance to Arsenal

The 25-year-old was a central figure in Arsenal’s Premier League title success last season. Alongside Gabriel Magalhaes, he formed the foundation of a defence that conceded only 27 league goals as Arsenal won the title for the first time in 22 years.


Saliba was also named in the PFA Team of the Year for a fourth consecutive season, underlining his status as one of the best centre-backs in English football.

Arsenal have consistently stressed that they will be cautious with his return, but his comeback comes at an ideal time with the Champions League fixture against Slavia Prague and a demanding festive schedule approaching.


Konsa has made an immediate impact

Summer signing Ezri Konsa has filled the gap left by Saliba impressively. Arsenal paid Aston Villa £55m for the England international shortly before their opening Premier League match against Coventry City, and he has since started seven of Arsenal’s nine league games.


Konsa came on as a substitute against his former club Aston Villa on his debut, but he quickly established himself as a key part of Arteta’s backline. His partnership with Gabriel has helped Arsenal concede just five goals in nine Premier League matches, the best defensive record in the division.


Arteta has praised how quickly Konsa has adapted, describing his settling-in period as “unbelievable”. Some observers have even suggested that Gabriel and Konsa now form the best centre-back partnership in world football, a view Arteta was happy to endorse.


Konsa’s rise at Arsenal

Konsa joined Aston Villa from Brentford in July 2019 and made 286 appearances for the club. He helped Villa win the Europa League in May, their first major European trophy since 1982, before completing his move to Arsenal.


The 29-year-old has also become a regular starter for England and featured in seven of the eight matches the Three Lions played at the World Cup. Notably, he started England’s quarter-final against Norway at right-back, highlighting his tactical flexibility.

Konsa scored Arsenal’s opener in their 2-0 win over Everton and delivered another commanding display as the Gunners beat Liverpool 1-0 at Anfield for the first time in 14 years.


How Arteta could use Saliba

Arsenal host Hull City on Saturday before the November international break, giving Saliba additional time to build up his fitness. Once fully available, however, Arteta will have to make a difficult call over who starts in central defence.


One option would be to move Konsa to right-back, allowing Saliba to return alongside Gabriel in his usual role. Konsa has previously played at right-back for England, and his physical presence would give Arsenal a powerful option in that position.


Ben White and Jurrien Timber have been Arsenal’s preferred right-backs this season, with White available for all but one of Arsenal’s matches. Both are reliable top-level options, meaning Arteta has genuine depth across his defensive unit.


What it means for Mosquera

Saliba’s return could reduce the opportunities available to young centre-back Cristhian Mosquera. The defender has recovered from a hamstring injury but has played limited minutes this season, raising questions about his long-term role at the club.


Arsenal played 63 matches in all competitions last season as they won the Premier League and reached the Champions League final. With Arteta aiming to defend their title and compete for European success again, squad rotation will be essential.