William Saliba looked set for another extended spell out when he hobbled off inside five minutes of Arsenal’s defeat at Anfield, yet just over a week later he is back in full training and in contention to face Nottingham Forest.
The defender twisted his ankle in the warm-up against Liverpool, convinced himself he could play on, but quickly realised the damage after an early clash with Hugo Ekitike.
His withdrawal forced a Premier League debut for Cristhian Mosquera and raised fears of a long-lay off for Saliba.
In France, reports during the current international break claimed Saliba would be sidelined until after the October internationals, with the injury initially thought to require up to six weeks’ recovery.
Arteta admitted after the Liverpool game that the situation had concerned him. “He twisted his ankle during the warm-up, and he came in and he said he believed that he could carry on and play, but straight away in the first two actions I could see that he couldn’t cope, and we had to get him out unfortunately,” the manager explained.
“When he cannot play in a game of that stature, there is clearly something wrong.”
Yet the picture has shifted dramatically. Saliba has resumed training at London Colney, with Arteta confirming: “Willy trained today, so we have a decision to make (about tomorrow’s game). Very good news.”
The return comes as a significant boost for a squad still without Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus, while Ben White and Christian Norgaard are only just returning.
“Bukayo is out,” Arteta added. “Still out and he is trying to get back as quick as possible. William trained today and the rest we’re waiting on.
“Ben is okay.”