Saliba Returns As Arteta Faces Arsenal Defensive Selection Dilemma

William Saliba is closing in on his long-awaited return to competitive action as Arsenal prepare to host Hull City at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, with manager Mikel Arteta facing a delicate decision over how quickly to restore the French defender to his starting line-up.
After nearly four months on the sidelines with a back injury that forced him out of action following the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Saliba has returned to first-team training and is back in contention for selection.
The 25-year-old made his first matchday squad of the season during Arsenal’s 2-1 Champions League victory over Slavia Prague on Wednesday but remained an unused substitute.
Saturday’s Premier League enco...