William Saliba Steps Up Arsenal Injury Recovery With Running Return
William Saliba has moved from cycling to running as Arsenal increase the intensity of his rehabilitation from the back injury that has kept him out since July, although the defender is not expected to be rushed back during the autumn schedule.
Saliba’s recovery progresses cautiously
- The 25-year-old suffered an abrupt exit in France’s World Cup semi-final loss to eventual champions Spain, after which he was ruled out for a lengthy spell.
- Arsenal opted against surgery for the troublesome back problem, instead placing Saliba on a daily recovery plan centred on massage treatment and physiotherapy.
- Club medical staff initially limited his work to cycling and have only now cleared him to begin running, with the response to that increased load set to be closely assessed.
- During the current international break, Saliba has been resting in Île-de-France while continuing a recovery programme designed to prevent a relapse.
- If he comes through the next stages without a setback, the French centre-back is targeting a return to competitive football in November.
Saliba played through considerable discomfort during the closing part of last season and at the World Cup. He required painkillers to continue playing and, after some matches, was reportedly unable to move normally for as long as two days.
Those close to the player have stressed that a full recovery, rather than a quick return, is the priority. Saliba understands that he must be patient after the physical problems he has endured and wants to return only when fully fit.
Arsenal retain a patient approach
Mikel Arteta had already indicated during the summer that Saliba’s case would require time. The Arsenal head coach said the defender was in a period of rest following an aggravated injury and that the club would provide an update when there was firmer news on his condition.
His absence has required changes to Arsenal’s title-winning defensive unit. Summer arrival Ezri Konsa has started beside Gabriel Magalhaes in each of the champions’ past three Premier League matches, giving Arteta an alternative central-defensive partnership while Saliba continues his programme.
Arsenal will continue to depend on Konsa and Gabriel through a demanding run of autumn fixtures, with no intention of exposing Saliba to first-team football until his back has handled the work on the grass consistently.
What Arsenal have missed
Since joining Arsenal in 2019, Saliba has made 184 appearances in all competitions. He has won the Premier League and two Community Shields with the club, while also collecting runners-up medals in the Champions League and Carabao Cup.
The centre-back has been selected in the PFA Team of the Year in four successive seasons and has received two Ballon d’Or nominations. Arsenal’s careful handling of his return reflects both the seriousness of the injury and his importance to the side.
