Following a debilitating back injury that saw him out for the final months of the last campaign, his return ahead of pre-season is a welcome sight.
- Defender William Saliba returns to training, boosting Arsenal’s pre-season plans.
- Saliba’s return from injury marks a significant turn of events for Arsenal after missing out on the Premier League title last season.
- Alongside Saliba, fellow Gunners Takehiro Tomiyasu, Oleksandr Zinchenko, and Gabriel Martinelli also return to training after injuries.
Saliba re-joins Arsenal training
French defender William Saliba has made a return to training.
Saliba’s absence during the final months of the 2022/23 season, due to a back injury incurred in a Europa League match against Sporting CP, played a key role in Arsenal’s loss of the Premier League title to Manchester City.
The 21-year-old’s return could not be more timely, as he’s expected to accompany the team to Germany next week for Arsenal’s pre-season training camp.
Saliba’s comeback, which is expected to be celebrated with the signing of a new four-year contract with the Gunners, has elicited excitement among the team and the fans alike.
Teammates back from injury
Joining Saliba in making a comeback are Takehiro Tomiyasu, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Gabriel Martinelli, who were also sidelined due to injuries last season.
Tomiyasu is also a particular welcome addition as there were rumours his knee injury could keep him out until October. Arsenal, however, always expected him back in time for pre-season.
New contracts boost team morale
In addition to Saliba, Reiss Nelson is set to sign a new contract with Arsenal.
Like Saliba, Nelson is expected to sign a new contract, most likely this week.
As the pre-season unfolds, Arsenal fans and teammates alike will keep a keen eye on Saliba, whose recovery and return to training may well prove a turning point for the club’s fortunes.
It is safe to say that his return to the fold has been another welcome shot in the arm for Arsenal.
