Arsenal are growing cautiously optimistic about the return of centre-back William Saliba, with reports indicating the France international could be available again before the end of October.

Saliba has been absent since picking up a back injury during the FIFA World Cup, where he was forced off during a semi-final clash against Spain. On his return to London, specialist consultations confirmed the diagnosis, and the club issued a statement ruling him out for a period of rehabilitation. Surgery was considered but ultimately not recommended.

A return date in sight

According to TEAMtalk, Saliba is now "on the brink of a return," with sources suggesting he could even be fit to feature against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena later this month. However, Arsenal are unwilling to take any chances with their prized defender.

The club are instead targeting either the Premier League home fixture against Everton on October 24 or the Carabao Cup tie at Fleetwood on October 27 as more realistic comeback dates, with the Fleetwood match considered the likelier of the two.

Arsenal's injury headache deepens

Manager Mikel Arteta has had much to contend with during the international break. Kai Havertz suffered a knock against the Netherlands, Martin Odegaard received a painful challenge from Bernardo Silva, and Christos Tzolis has since withdrawn from Greece duty.

Ezri Konsa, drafted in from Aston Villa as Saliba's short-term replacement, also picked up a knock and missed England's match against the Czech Republic. Ben White was also unavailable for England selection. Further down the squad, Piero Hincapie and Cristhian Mosquera are both carrying injuries.

Despite the setbacks, Arsenal have made a strong start to the season, losing just once across all competitions. They return to Premier League action when they host Leeds United.