Saliba targets November return as back rehab reaches running stage

📰 Saliba, sidelined with a back injury, is running again and is targeting a return in November, according to French outlet L'Équipe. 📌 Key points 🩹 Saliba came off in the first half of the World Cup semi-final against Spain with a back problem. 🧢 Arsenal said they had opted for a long rehabilitation rather than surgery. 🏃 Recent scans showed his recovery is on track, and he has started running. 🗓️ L'Équipe expects him back in early-to-mid November. 🛡️ In the meantime, summer signing Konsa has been filling the gap in defence. 📝 What happened 🩹 Saliba had been carrying a back problem since before the World Cup, playing through it for the whole tournament before he was finally substituted in the first half of the semi-final against Spain on 14 July. He has not played a single competitive game this season since. 🏥 Arsenal confirmed that surgery was not needed but explained that a long rehabilitation would be required for him to return to his previous level. Saliba has worked through physiotherapy and stationary-bike phases at the London Colney training ground. 📈 According to L'Équipe, recent X-rays showed his recovery is going to plan, and Saliba has started running again. He is also said to be watching every Arsenal and France match and to be pleased with how his replacements have performed. 🛡️ Ezri Konsa, signed in the summer, has been filling his place. However, the defence is hardly well stocked, with Mosquera suffering a hamstring problem early in the season and Timber a groin issue. 📊 By the numbers • Last competitive game: World Cup semi-final v Spain, 14 July 2026 • Competitive appearances this season: 0 • Target return: November (Arseblog picks out the trip to Newcastle on 21 November as a realistic date) 🔭 Why it matters Alongside Gabriel, Saliba is the cornerstone of Arsenal's defence. His return would greatly expand the defensive options during a winter schedule combining the league and the Champions League. The club's stance is not to rush him so the back injury does not recur, so the exact return date will depend on his condition. After the international break, Arsenal face Leeds on 10 October. Saliba's name is most likely to reappear on the team sheet around the November international break.