William Saliba hasn’t been called up to the latest France squad, but it appears that’s the outcome Arsenal were hoping for.
Ahead of the announcement of the France squad for the upcoming November internationals, Mikel Arteta gave some diplomatic answers to questions about whether he really wanted William Saliba to be called up, so soon after injury.
“They have all the information, now it’s about them, about Zinedine [Zidane] in this case to give the call,” Arteta said. “We will accept whatever it is.
“I know how much he loves to be around the national team. It’s a new manager, a really exciting one as well, so whatever he’s decided is fine for us.”
Yet despite Arteta claiming Arsenal would be happy either way, reports in the media suggested that Saliba’s exclusion would be considered a ‘major boost’, as the Gunners carefully rebuild the defender’s fitness.
With that in mind, it must be considered a positive thing that Saliba was ultimately left out of the official squad, with Ryan Taylor reporting for Football.London that the decision followed detailed discussions with the French Football Federation and Zidane.
The key issue was reportedly about Arsenal’s control of the situation, with the club keen to manage the pace of Saliba’s reintegration.
Saliba is yet to make his first appearance of the new season, missing the opening months of the campaign and only returning to the bench on Wednesday. He might get some minutes against Hull, but it’s unlikely he’s set for a speedy return to the starting lineup.
Arsenal will definitely want to ensure the defender is ready for the big games after the international break, rather than rushing him back for the sake of it this weekend.
- Boost for Arsenal as key international not called upWilliam Saliba hasn’t been called up to the latest France squad, but it appears that’s the outcome Arsenal were hoping for.
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