Arsenal will retake their official squad photograph to include defender William Saliba after his absence from the original shoot drew criticism from supporters. The 25-year-old was attending a medical appointment while the rest of the squad, including manager Mikel Arteta, posed with the Premier League and Community Shield trophies at London Colney this week.
Arteta explained the logistical reasons for proceeding without the French international. "We will have another picture with the whole family," the manager confirmed, adding that Saliba is "completely fine" about the situation. The initial session went ahead due to commercial obligations and the presence of people who had been flown in specifically for the event.
Saliba has not played this season due to a back injury sustained during the World Cup, but his recovery is progressing. He has been back doing individual work on the training pitch for over a week. "It's over a week I think [he's been on the grass], obviously we're managing that load," Arteta said. The club hopes to reintroduce him to full team training in the coming weeks, with a scan scheduled for next week to assess his healing.
His return would be a boost for a side sitting second in the Premier League with 15 points from six games. Saliba was a cornerstone of last season's title win, playing in 31 league games and making 50 appearances across all competitions.
Arteta also provided updates on several other squad members ahead of the trip to face 15th-placed Nottingham Forest. Midfielder Martin Zubimendi is in contention to return after a warm-down issue, but defender Piero Hincapie remains out for another week or two. Winger Christos Tzolis, who had an MRI scan on a hamstring injury while on international duty with Greece, is progressing well and could be back in a few weeks.
The team heads into that match on the back of a 3-0 win over Lille and a 2-1 victory against Leeds, part of a run of four wins in their last five outings. The full fixtures list shows a busy period ahead. Arsenal's next game is at the City Ground on Sunday.
More detail at Daily Mail Sport
