Saliba completes pre-planned 45 minutes for Arsenal U21s in reintegration boost

According to a report by Daily Cannon, Arsenal defender William Saliba completed a significant step in his recovery by playing the first half for the club’s U21 side in their Premier League 2 fixture against Aston Villa on Sunday.

The appearance marked the French international’s first match since suffering an injury in the World Cup semi-final nearly four months ago.​

Arsenal U21 boss David Horseman praised Saliba’s impact, confirming his half-time substitution was completely pre-planned. Horseman stated:

“He’s the ultimate professional from the minute he got in this morning to half time. He’s fine, by the way, it was all pre-planned, so nobody’s got to panic about that.”

Horseman further commended Saliba’s elite standard and conduct around the academy players.

Having been omitted from France’s squad for the upcoming November international break, Arsenal will continue managing Saliba’s fitness progression internally without the risk of an international setback.