There is hope! The date of Saliba's return to the pitch has been revealed
Arsenal have received encouraging news: William Saliba could return to competitive action as early as December.
Details: According to journalist Fabrice Hawkins, the French defender's recovery from a back fracture is progressing, and a return to competition in December is realistic if everything continues to go well. Saliba suffered the injury during the World Cup semifinal against Spain, and it later emerged he had played much of the tournament while already carrying the fracture. Arsenal's medical staff opted against surgery, choosing a lengthy rehabilitation program instead.
The timeline will come as a huge relief for Mikel Arteta. Arsenal's defense has had to cope without its leader for months, and while the Gunners have managed to stay competitive, Saliba's absence has been felt in the biggest matches. The 25 year old had been dealing with chronic back problems for some time before the fracture was discovered, with the first serious issues reportedly arising two years ago. A December return would allow him to build fitness gradually ahead of the decisive part of the season, including the Champions League knockout rounds and the Premier League title run in.
It's worth noting that Arsenal will not rush their star defender back under any circumstances: back fractures are notoriously tricky, and any setback could cost far more than a few extra weeks. Still, for a fanbase that has watched its defensive rock sidelined since the summer, the prospect of seeing Saliba in red and white again before the New Year is the best news in months.
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Miguel Solomons
Dailysports's expert
