Arsenal receive the William Saliba injury boost fans were waiting for
William Saliba is closing in on a return to action for Arsenal after the latest update that fans were eagerly waiting for.
The Frenchman is yet to make an appearance for the Gunners this season after suffering an injury while at the World Cup with France that has kept him out of Mikel Arteta's plans in the campaign's opening months.
His comeback was expected to happen in December, but Arsenal may have received a slight boost after he was reported to have returned to the grass for individual training.
William Saliba returns for individual training at Arsenal
Sam Dean of The Daily Telegraph reported earlier today that Saliba was out on the grass undergoing training on his own ahead of Arsenal's Champions League clash with Lille on Tuesday.
His initial return will be welcomed by Arteta and his side's supporters as it represents the first step in a playing comeback that has been in the works since he was first ruled out in July, when he was brought off during France's World Cup semi-final defeat to Spain.
Saliba's injury caused concern among the Gunners fanbase with some believing Cristhian Mosquera wasn't at the level required to fill in for his French counterpart on a consistent basis, and that prompted Arsenal to dive into the transfer market to make their final signing of the summer window.
Ezri Konsa was targeted and was signed from Aston Villa for a reported £55million, and he has been an incredible stand-in for Saliba, having impressed many since joining the club. However, he may face a fight to keep his spot once the Frenchman is back to full fitness.
The ex-Villa defender has been superb for Arsenal, showing his Premier League experience to deal with tough opponents even as recently as his side's victory over Leeds, but many will view Saliba as a superior option and Arteta is likely to be one of those, so Konsa will have a point to prove if he is to keep the centre back spot.
Regardless of preference though, Saliba is still at a very early stage in his recovery and the last thing Arteta will want to do is rush him back into action. The news that he is back in individual training after a lengthy spell on the sidelines will be music to the ears of Arsenal fans and they will be counting down the days until he is back available and ready to fight for the badge once again.
