Arsenal have received a major lift in their preparations for the UEFA Champions League with William Saliba returning to full first-team training — raising hopes that the defender could soon be back in action for the Gunners.

Saliba has been absent since picking up a back injury during France's World Cup semi-final against Spain, when he was forced off inside the opening 30 minutes. Specialists were consulted, and while surgery was ruled out, the 25-year-old has required an extended period of rest and recovery.

Progress has been steady, with Saliba easing back into individual training drills in recent weeks. According to The Standard, that workload has now been significantly increased — Saliba rejoined the first-team training group on Monday and came through the session without any setbacks.

He was present again on Tuesday morning when Arsenal's squad trained in front of the media, just hours before manager Mikel Arteta and his players departed for Prague ahead of their UEFA Champions League fixture against Slavia Prague on Wednesday night.

Cautious approach from Arteta

Whether Saliba is part of the travelling squad for that match remains uncertain. Arsenal are understandably taking a measured approach to his comeback, mindful of the risks that come with rushing a player back from a back injury.

The schedule does offer the club some flexibility. Following Saturday's match against Hull, Arsenal are set for a two-week pause for the November international break — giving Saliba additional time on the training pitch to build his fitness gradually.

Konsa's form adds to Arteta's dilemma

When Saliba does return, Arteta will face a genuinely difficult selection call. Ezri Konsa, who joined the club in the summer to provide cover during Saliba's absence, has been outstanding in the role — delivering performances alongside Gabriel that have many observers rating him as Arsenal's standout player of the campaign so far.

Konsa's form has taken the pressure off Arteta to rush Saliba back into the starting lineup, and it now sets up a fascinating competition for places at the heart of Arsenal's defence in the weeks ahead.