Arsenal is set to receive a huge boost for its UEFA Champions League match against Slavia Prague on Wednesday, Nov. 4. Premier League Team of the Season defender William Saliba could step back on the field for the English champions when they travel to Czechia for the league phase match.
The France international has been out of action since suffering a significant back injury during the World Cup semifinal loss to Spain.
Mikel Arteta spoke to the media on Tuesday ahead of the match and while he would neither confirm or deny if Saliba would get minutes, he left the door open for his return to action.
"So, his evolution has been as expected, which is not always the case," the Spanish manager said in his pre-match press conference. "He feels very comfortable.
He played 45 minutes [behind] closed doors last week, and he feels ready to go. So whether we use him or not now is a matter of what the team needs."
Coming back from a long-term injury like the one Saliba suffered can be tricky. However, Arteta said the process of his recovery was as smooth as anticipated.
"He's in a really good place. I think the process and the timings and in the manner that the injury has been dealt with, and especially the feelings that Willy has been having along the way, they've been very, very positive."
The Gunners sit in a respectable ninth place heading into Wednesday's match with two wins and a draw in their first three matches. Getting one of the best center backs in the world back on the field can only help their chances of returning to the final this season.
How to watch Slavia Prague vs. Arsenal: TV, streaming, start time
- When: Wednesday, November 4
- Where: Fortuna Arena (Prague, Czechia)
- Time: 3 p.m. ET
- Channel/streaming: Paramount+ (WATCH HERE), ViX (Watch on Amazon Prime), CBS Sports Golazo
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Will Saliba play for Arsenal vs. Slavia Prague? Defender set for return
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