Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will soon have a big defensive dilemma. But it is one that will be both welcome to the Arsenal boss and the envy of other top teams across the continent. That's because William Saliba - a key figure in the Gunners' title win last season - is back in training, having missed the entire campaign so far because of a back injury following his early withdrawal in France's World Cup semi-final loss to Spain.
The 25-year-old has been one of the Premier League's top defenders in recent seasons but - in his absence - summer signing Ezri Konsa has stepped in seamlessly to help Arsenal back to the top of the table. Indeed, since Konsa's arrival from Aston Villa for £55m, he and Gabriel Magalhaes have struck up a formidable partnership, with Arsenal again boasting the league's tightest defence, conceding just five goals in nine games. Saliba had been managing his back issue throughout last season but was sent to see a specialist after the World Cup.
It was decided he did not need to undergo surgery but would require a lengthy rehabilitation. No timescale on his return was set. The France international had been doing individual training at Arsenal's base but has now returned to full training before their Champions League meeting with Slavia Prague and then, a busy festive schedule looming.
Saliba and regular partner Gabriel were a huge reason why the Gunners won the Premier League title for the first time in 22 years last season. Their partnership was the bedrock of Arteta's team, which conceded only 27 league goals. Saliba was then named in the PFA team of the year for the fourth consecutive time.
Arsenal have always said that they will be cautious with Saliba's return but his return to fitness will leave Arteta with some tough choices to make in his backline. No Saliba, no problem - Konsa stepping up for Arsenal How Arteta is getting the best from Rice Such was Arsenal's strength in defence, there were questions about whether they needed to sign Konsa when the Gunners decided to spend £55m on the England international. But the centre-back has been one of the club's best players this season as they sit top of the Premier League.
Some have even suggested Konsa and Gabriel have become the best partnership in world football, external. Arsenal already had seven senior defenders when they signed Konsa including one of the most solid and well-established partnerships in world football in Saliba and Gabriel. But in Saliba's absence, Konsa has started seven of Arsenal's nine Premier League matches, having joined just hours before their opening match against Coventry before coming on against former club Aston Villa for his debut.
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