William Saliba has begun running for the first time since suffering a back injury, with the Arsenal defender hoping to return to competitive football in November.
The France international has not played for Arsenal this season after the club announced in July that he would be out for “a long period”. Saliba sustained the injury after returning from France’s World Cup campaign.
He played only 30 minutes in France’s semi-final defeat by Spain, who went on to win this year’s tournament. There were initial concerns that the 25-year-old might require surgery, but Arsenal confirmed that an operation would not be necessary.
Instead, Saliba was told he needed a “long period of rehabilitation” to recover fully and return to his usual level.
His absence has opened the door for summer signing Ezri Konsa, who has started Arsenal’s past three matches alongside Gabriel.
According to English newspaper Metro, citing French publication L’Equipe, Saliba used painkillers to help him through much of last season and the World Cup. He was often unable to move freely for between 24 and 48 hours after matches.
The report says Saliba has been receiving daily treatment and massage, while also completing daily physiotherapy sessions with Arsenal’s medical staff. The club is understood to be taking a cautious approach to the centre-back’s rehabilitation.
Saliba has now replaced cycling with running as he progresses through his recovery. His return to the first team will ultimately depend on how his body responds over the coming weeks.
The former Saint-Etienne player is reportedly targeting a comeback in November, provided his progress continues and he avoids any further setbacks.
Saliba is using the current international break to rest, having left London to spend several days in the Ile-de-France region of north-central France.
