Saliba's back for Arsenal - how does Arteta solve his defensive dilemma? — SkimNews
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- William Saliba returned to full Arsenal training after missing the entire campaign so far with the back injury that followed his early withdrawal from France’s World Cup semi-final against Spain, ahead of the Champions League meeting with Slavia Prague; no surgery was required, but no return timescale was set.
- Ezri Konsa has started seven of Arsenal’s nine Premier League matches since joining from Aston Villa for £55m, pairing with Gabriel Magalhaes as the league leaders conceded only five goals.
- Gabriel Magalhaes formed the central-defence partnership with Saliba that underpinned Arsenal’s first Premier League title in 22 years; the Gunners conceded 27 league goals, and Saliba earned a fourth consecutive PFA team-of-the-year selection.
- Ezri Konsa has established himself as a first-choice England starter, started seven of the Three Lions’ eight World Cup games and played right-back in the quarter-final against Norway; he also made his England debut at right-back.
- Ben White has been available for all but one Arsenal game this season, while he and Jurrien Timber have been the club’s first-choice right-backs; moving Konsa there would place Saliba beside Magalhaes.
- Cristhian Mosquera has recovered from a hamstring injury but has logged a low number of minutes this season, and Saliba’s return lowers his chance of game time as Arsenal rotate a squad that played 63 matches in all competitions last season.
Why it matters: Saliba gives Arteta a title-winning defender, but Arsenal’s £55m signing Konsa has started seven of nine league matches and offers right-back cover. With 63 matches completed last season, the return creates direct competition for places among Magalhaes, White, Timber, Konsa and young centre-back Mosquera rather than a one-for-one swap.
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