William Saliba Travels With Arsenal Squad For Champions League Trip

William Saliba has been included in Arsenal’s travelling squad for Wednesday night’s Champions League meeting with Slavia Prague, raising hopes that the French defender could finally make his first appearance of the season.

The 25-year-old has been unavailable since sustaining a back injury while representing France at the 2026 World Cup during the summer. His absence has been a significant one for Mikel Arteta, but summer signing Ezri Konsa has slotted in seamlessly next to Gabriel and has impressed hugely.

Saliba last featured during France’s World Cup semi-final defeat against Spain in July. He was forced off during the first half after struggling with his back, with the problem eventually requiring an extended period of rest and rehabilitation. Arsenal later confirmed that the defender would be sidelined for a long period. Surgery was not considered necessary, but the club were keen to ensure that he recovered properly rather than risk making the problem worse by rushing him back.

His recovery has progressed positively over recent weeks. Saliba initially returned to individual training before stepping up his work on the grass and rejoining the first team group. The Frenchman was involved in Arsenal’s training session on Tuesday, ahead of the squad’s departure for Prague. His inclusion in the travelling group now puts him in contention to feature against Slavia Prague, although it isn't a guarantee he will play and Arsenal are keen on not rushing Saliba back too quickly.

Arsenal have still sustained a superb defensive record in the Premier League this season despite missing arguably their best centre back. They have only conceded five times and three of them were against Brighton at the Amex Stadium in September. This proves there is no need to force Saliba right back into the side which is a huge positive for Arteta.

If Saliba were to play on Wednesday, it will be his first appearance for the Gunners since he played in the Champions League final in Budapest where Arsenal were cruelly beaten on penalties against Paris Saint Germain.

The Gunners take on Slavia Prague away from home in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday night as they look to continue their unbeaten start to the league phase this season.

Arteta's side played Slavia Prague last year and managed a comfortable 3-0 victory, as well as also beating them 4-0 in the Europa League quarter-final in 2021 after drawing the first leg 1-1.