Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta faces a welcome defensive challenge as key centre-back William Saliba returns to full training after missing the entire campaign with a back injury. Saliba, a vital part of the Gunners’ title-winning squad last season, has been sidelined since picking up the issue during France’s World Cup semi-final defeat against Spain.
Ezri Konsa’s Strong Impact in Saliba’s Absence
During Saliba’s absence, summer signing Ezri Konsa has integrated seamlessly into the team after arriving from Aston Villa for £55m. Konsa and Gabriel Magalhaes have formed a formidable partnership, keeping Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table with the league’s tightest defence, conceding only five goals across nine matches.
Before his injury, Saliba managed his back problem throughout the previous campaign and consulted a specialist following the World Cup. Although surgery was deemed unnecessary, he required an extensive rehabilitation program without a fixed return date. Having completed individual sessions at Arsenal’s training ground, the 25-year-old is back in full training ahead of their Champions League fixture against Slavia Prague and the busy festive schedule.
Last season, the partnership between Saliba and Gabriel served as the foundation for Arsenal’s first Premier League title in 22 years, conceding just 27 league goals and earning Saliba a spot in the PFA team of the year for the fourth consecutive time. Despite club officials emphasizing a cautious approach to his comeback, his return provides Arteta with tough decisions for the backline.
Konsa has started seven of Arsenal’s nine Premier League matches since joining just before the opening game against Coventry. Arteta described Konsa’s settlement at the club as unbelievable. The 29-year-old made 286 appearances for Aston Villa after arriving from Brentford in July 2019 and helped them secure the Europa League in May. As an established starter for England, Konsa also featured in seven of their eight World Cup matches, including playing at right-back in the quarter-final against Norway.
Demonstrating both physical presence and aggression in challenges, Konsa scored the opening goal in a 2-0 win against Everton and delivered another commanding display as Arsenal defeated Liverpool at Anfield for the first time in 14 years.
Defensive Options and Rotation for Arteta
Arsenal host Hull on Saturday ahead of the upcoming international break, which will provide Saliba additional time to build up his fitness before rejoining regular first-team contention. Once Saliba is fully available, Arteta will need to make difficult choices regarding his lineup.
Ben White and Jurrien Timber have operated as Arsenal’s preferred right-backs this season, with White available for all but one of their matches. Alternatively, Konsa could shift to right-back—a position he has previously played for England—permitting Saliba to resume his usual partnership alongside Gabriel in central defence.
Saliba’s reintegration may also impact playing time for young centre-back Cristhian Mosquera, whose limited minutes this season raise questions about his future despite recovering from a hamstring injury. Having played 63 matches across all competitions last season while winning the league and reaching the Champions League final, Arsenal’s heavy schedule will provide ample opportunities for Arteta to rotate his defensive resources.
