# Arteta Confirms Saliba Ready for Return

> Arteta says Saliba is ready to play for Arsenal after World Cup injury.
- Title: Arteta Confirms Saliba Ready for Return · the Guardian
- Summary: Arteta says Saliba is ready to play for Arsenal after World Cup injury. Mikel Arteta confirms William Saliba is ready to return for Arsenal after a 45-minute…
- Keywords: mikel arteta, william saliba, arsenal, slavia prague, champions league, world cup, the Guardian
- Source: the Guardian — https://theguardian.com/football/2026/nov/03/arteta-backs-salibas-readiness-to-return-for-arsenal-at-slavia-prague
- Published: 2026-11-03T20:31:58+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: mikel arteta, william saliba, arsenal, slavia prague, champions league, world cup, sports
## Saliba's injury recovery
Saliba returned to training after a World Cup injury and traveled with Arsenal's squad to Slavia Prague.
## Arteta's confidence
Arteta says Saliba has completed all preparation to minimize risk and is ready for 90 minutes of play.
## Saliba's readiness
Arteta states Saliba is primed to return after 45 minutes of a match behind closed doors.
## Saliba's role
Saliba is a center-back who must play 90 minutes unlike attacking midfielders.
## Konsa's versatility
Konsa can play at right-back but faces competition from Ben White and Jurriën Timber.
## Dowman's suspension
Max Dowman serves a three-match suspension after a red card against Fleetwood but could break Cesc Fàbregas's record.
## Key takeaway

Mikel Arteta confirms William Saliba is ready to return for Arsenal after a 45-minute match behind closed doors.