Saliba returns to Arsenal team training ahead of Champions League trip to Prague

William Saliba returned to Arsenal team training on Tuesday morning at London Colney, marking a significant step in his recovery from a back injury that has kept him sidelined for close to five months. The France international had been working individually in recent weeks, and his presence in the group session raises the prospect of a return to action in the coming days.

Saliba’s injury was aggravated during the World Cup, and Arsenal have managed his absence carefully since. The timing of his return to group work comes as Mikel Arteta’s side prepare to travel to the Czech Republic for a Champions League clash against Slavia Prague on Wednesday.

Bukayo Saka was notably absent from the session due to a thigh problem, while Christos Tzolis and Eberechi Eze were both present. Tzolis made his own comeback from a hamstring injury last Sunday, while Eze featured as an unused substitute in the weekend’s 1-0 win at Anfield — a result Arteta acknowledged was impressive given the circumstances of his availability.

Despite the encouraging signs, Saliba is unlikely to be thrown straight back into the starting XI. Summer signing Ezri Konsa has impressed in his absence and was central to the clean sheet at Liverpool, a victory that moved Arsenal three points clear of Manchester City following City’s defeat to Brighton.

Arteta, speaking in mid-October, had offered cautious optimism about Saliba’s progress: “Every sign so far has been very, very positive, and yeah, it will be great to have him.”

If Saliba does not feature against Slavia Prague, the Premier League clash against Hull City at Emirates Stadium on Saturday represents another potential return date, though the club may also choose to wait until after the November international break before reintroducing him.

Max Dowman could also be available for the Prague fixture despite serving a three-game domestic ban following his red card in the Carabao Cup defeat to Fleetwood Town. The suspension does not carry over to European competition, meaning he will miss the Hull and Newcastle fixtures but remains eligible on the continent.