William Saliba targets November return as Arsenal defender starts running again after back injury

From the Newshound archive · first published 1 October 2026.

Arsenal centre-back William Saliba has begun running for the first time since sustaining a serious back problem during France's World Cup campaign, with his entourage telling L'Equipe he is targeting a return to competitive action in November. The 25-year-old had been cycling as part of his rehabilitation but has now progressed to running, with his comeback timeline dependent on how his body responds over the coming weeks. Saliba reportedly took painkillers to play through the injury for much of last season and was unable to move freely for up to 48 hours after matches.

Saliba's camp said: 'He's suffered too much and wants to come back at 100 per cent.'

Summer signing Ezri Konsa has deputised in Saliba's absence, starting Arsenal's last three Premier League matches alongside Gabriel Magalhaes.