William Saliba returns to full Arsenal training after back injury

William Saliba has returned to full training with Arsenal after missing the start of the season because of a back injury, BBC Sport reported. The France defender had previously been working individually at the club's training base. Arsenal have said they will take a cautious approach to his return, and resuming group work does not amount to confirmation of a match comeback.

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The 25-year-old's absence followed his early withdrawal from France's World Cup semi-final defeat by Spain. According to the BBC, Saliba had already been managing the back problem during the previous club season. He visited a specialist after the World Cup, when it was decided that surgery was unnecessary but a lengthy period of rehabilitation would be required. No timetable was set for his return.

Saliba was a central figure in Arsenal's Premier League title success last season, forming a defensive partnership with Gabriel Magalhaes. The team conceded 27 league goals as they won the championship for the first time in 22 years. Saliba's performances also earned him a place in the PFA team of the year for a fourth successive season.

Arsenal have maintained a strong defensive record while he has been unavailable. Summer arrival Ezri Konsa has partnered Gabriel, and the club have conceded five goals in their opening nine league fixtures, the fewest in the division. They are also back at the top of the Premier League table, according to the BBC report.

Konsa joined from Aston Villa for £55m and has started seven of those nine league matches. His arrival came just hours before Arsenal's opening fixture against Coventry, while his debut came as a substitute against his former club. He has since scored the opening goal in a 2-0 victory over Everton and featured in the win at Liverpool.

Saliba's return to training brings another established defender back into Mikel Arteta's working group after an extended absence. Ben White and Jurrien Timber have been the team's regular options at right-back this season, while Konsa and Gabriel have handled the central partnership. For Saliba, the confirmed step is a return to full training; a playing return remains separate from that milestone.