William Saliba handed possible November return after positive Arsenal injury update

Arsenal defender William Saliba could return to action in November after receiving encouraging results from a recent scan on his back injury.

The France international has not played for Arsenal this season, with his last appearance coming in France’s World Cup semi-final defeat to Spain on July 14.

Saliba has now been sidelined for 126 days and missed eight Arsenal matches, but there are finally positive signs in his rehabilitation.

According to L’Equipe, imaging tests carried out around ten days ago showed that Saliba’s recovery is progressing well.

The 25-year-old has now moved beyond cycling work and started running again as part of his rehabilitation at Arsenal’s training centre.

November has been identified as a possible return period, although it is not being treated as a firm comeback date.

Arsenal, Saliba and the club’s medical staff are determined not to rush the defender after months of problems with his back.

“He knows he has to take his time. He’s suffered too much and wants to come back at 100%,” a source close to Saliba told L’Equipe.

Saliba’s injury had reportedly been causing problems since February.

He continued playing through the issue during Arsenal’s Champions League campaign and the World Cup, reportedly requiring powerful painkillers to manage the discomfort.

The situation eventually became unsustainable during France’s semi-final against Spain, when the painkillers were no longer sufficient and Saliba was forced out early.

After the tournament, a consultation in London determined that surgery was not required.

Instead, Arsenal established a strict programme involving rest, treatment, massages and initially cycling. Saliba has largely been working separately from his teammates alongside the club’s physiotherapists.

The defender is particularly determined to avoid returning while pain remains after previously requiring as much as 24-48 hours of recovery following matches.

His progress towards running represents an encouraging step, but his eventual return will depend on how his back responds as the workload increases.

The key stage will be how Saliba’s back responds as his rehabilitation becomes more demanding.

Returning to running is significant, but the information provided does not indicate that he has resumed full team training or been cleared for competitive football.

November therefore remains a target rather than a confirmed return date. Arsenal’s priority is ensuring Saliba can return at 100% without immediately aggravating the problem that has troubled him for much of the year.