Mikel Arteta has stated that William Saliba is fit to feature for Arsenal for the first time this campaign. The coach indicated the French defender is in good condition and has reached the fitness level required for a full match. His return is a boost for a side that sits first in the Premier League with 24 points from nine games, holding a three-point lead at the summit.
Saliba recently participated in a private practice game and is with the team for their next European contest. He began individual training following a back problem from the World Cup but is now training fully with the squad.
Arteta remarked that Saliba is now in a positive situation and has developed the necessary fitness, with the focus now on playing time. He explained that all preparatory work to manage his workload and reduce injury risk is complete, and the player is now fully integrated.
His comeback coincides with Arsenal leading the Premier League. The team's defense has performed well, letting in very few goals, which has helped their recent positive results. The side has conceded only five league goals this season, contributing to a goal difference of plus nine. Defenders performed strongly in a narrow away win, which continued the side's undefeated streak. That 1-0 victory at Liverpool on Sunday 1 November, secured by a Kai Havertz goal, extended their recent form to three wins and two draws from the last five matches.
One defender's ability to play in multiple positions creates competition in the full-back area. Saliba's return offers the manager an additional strong choice for the center of defense during a busy period.
Arteta also gave news about a young midfielder, who could be selected after a ban for a sending off in a high-scoring cup match, the 1-1 draw at Fleetwood Town on Tuesday 27 October. The player made history by appearing in a top European competition at a very young age against the same club last year.
The manager said he has discussed the red card incident with the player, who is training well and in a good frame of mind. Following their European match, Arsenal will host a league fixture. The squad will also look to top scorer Kai Havertz, who has three goals this season, to maintain their offensive threat.
More detail at The Guardian Football
