William Saliba made his return to Arsenal team training on Tuesday(Image: Arsenal)
Arsenal have been handed a huge injury boost with long-term absentee William Saliba back in team training. The central defender has been recovering from a back injury that was aggravated at the World Cup and is close to returning after nearly five months out.
Following Sunday's huge win over Liverpool, the Gunners squad headed out for open training at London Colney on Tuesday morning ahead of travelling to the Czech Republic for their Champions League clash against Slavia Prague on Wednesday.
Though Bukayo Saka was not spotted – because of a thigh problem – Saliba was in attendance as he steps up his recovery having trained individually over the last few weeks.
Christos Tzolis was also out on the grass having made his return from a hamstring injury this past Sunday. Eberechi Eze was another present despite being an unused substitute at the weekend with Arteta revealing that it was impressive he even made the bench.
Having missed a significant period, it is unlikely that Saliba goes straight back into the starting XI, particularly with summer signing Ezri Konsa impressing in his absence.
He was key to the clean sheet picked up at Anfield with that 1-0 victory seeing Mikel Arteta's side go three points clear of Manchester City following their defeat to Brighton.
The Premier League champions can increase that advantage over their rivals this weekend as they face Hull City at Emirates Stadium on Saturday afternoon. If he does not feature in Europe, Saliba could return to action in that clash but may be saved until after the November international break.
William Saliba last played at the World Cup
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Speaking on his injury back in mid-October, Arteta said: "I think next week we have another MRI with him to see how the healing process is at the moment. But every sign so far has been very, very positive, and yeah, it will be great to have him."
The Arsenal boss will be speaking to reporters in Prague later today where he will almost certainly be asked for the latest updates on Saliba.
An indication of his availability will likely arrive a few hours earlier when Arsenal either announce their travelling squad or pictures emerge of him getting onto the plane.
Max Dowman could also feature against Slavia Prague despite being in the middle of a three-game ban for his red card in the Carabao Cup defeat to Fleetwood Town.
The suspension only applies to domestic matches which means he will be unavailable for the game against Hull and the trip to Newcastle United following the international break.
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