William Saliba included in Arsenal Champions League squad despite injury

Arsenal have included William Saliba in their Champions League league-phase squad, providing an encouraging indication that the France international could return from his long-term back injury during the first half of the season. The 25-year-old has not played since Arsenal’s Champions League final defeat by Paris Saint-Germain after suffering the injury while representing France at the World Cup.

According to Football London, Arsenal have not set a firm return date, but registering Saliba suggests they remain hopeful he can feature before the league phase concludes in January. The defender avoided surgery and is undergoing a managed recovery programme.