Arsenal defender William Saliba returned to training and was in the team's Champions League match-day squad on Wednesday, but he was not included in France's roster for upcoming UEFA Nations League games as he works back from the injury that has kept him out of action since the World Cup.
Saliba's back injury – which saw him get removed from the semifinal against Spain – didn't require surgery but the 25-year-old's layoff is approaching four months. One of the best defenders on the planet, Saliba helped Arsenal win its first Premier League title in 22 years last season.
Before France's roster was announced on Friday, Nov. 6, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta told reporters that the club had been in contact with the French federation but Arsenal wouldn't
interfere with whatever Saliba and France decided.
"William needs minutes as well, I know how much he loves to be around the national team," Arteta said. "He's got a new manager (Zinedine Zidane), a really exciting one as well, so whatever he's decided is fine for us."
Saliba traveled with Arsenal to Prague earlier in the week and was an unused substitute in a 2-1 win. Sitting atop the Premier League through nine games, Arsenal hosts Hull City on Saturday in London.
Due to Saliba's long-term injury, the Gunners signed England international Ezri Konsa in August and the new addition has been stellar alongside Gabriel Magalhães, with Arsenal surrendering a league-best five goals so far.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Saliba injury update: Arsenal star left off France roster. Will he play vs Hull?
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