William Saliba has yet to feature for Arsenal this season after suffering a serious back problem during the summer.
The French defender played a major role in Arsenal’s 2025/26 Premier League title triumph. He made 31 league appearances during that campaign.
However, Saliba had managed the back problem with painkillers during the closing months of the season.
His condition worsened while representing France at the World Cup. Saliba left the semi-final defeat against Spain after only 30 minutes.
Arsenal and France’s medical teams subsequently assessed the injury. They decided Saliba could recover without undergoing surgery.
The 25-year-old has since followed a rehabilitation programme, leaving Mikel Arteta without one of his key defenders this season. However, Arsenal have now received a significant boost over his recovery.
According to TEAMtalk, Saliba’s rehabilitation has progressed extremely well. Arsenal have even prevented him from pushing for an earlier comeback.
Saliba believes he could return before the end of October. The defender would ideally like to feature against Bayern Munich in the Champions League on October 21.
However, Arsenal do not intend to take unnecessary risks with his recovery.
The Gunners have instead identified the Premier League game against Everton on October 24 as a possible return date.
The Carabao Cup clash against Fleetwood on October 27 represents an even more realistic option.
That schedule could allow Saliba to regain match fitness before Arsenal visit Liverpool at the beginning of November. His improving condition has also affected Arsenal’s transfer planning.
Arteta’s side continue monitoring defensive targets, but Saliba’s progress has reduced the urgency surrounding another centre-back addition.
Arsenal are tracking Como defender Jacobo Ramon and Real Sociedad youngster Jon Martin. Saliba’s return would nevertheless provide Arteta with a major defensive boost.
The Frenchman remains an important part of Arsenal’s long-term plans after signing a contract running until 2030.
For now, Arsenal will continue managing his rehabilitation carefully despite Saliba’s desire to return this month.
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