Saliba's back for Arsenal – how does Arteta solve his defensive dilemma?

William Saliba returning to first-team training before Arsenal's game with Slavia Prague in the Champions League is a huge boost for the club but now presents Mikel Arteta with a selection headache. Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will soon have a big defensive dilemma. But it is one that will be both welcome to the Arsenal boss and the envy of other top teams across the continent. That's because William Saliba – a key figure in the Gunners' title win last season – is back in training, having missed the entire campaign so far because of a back injury following his early withdrawal in France's World Cup semi-final loss to Spain.

The 25-year-old has been one of the Premier League's top defenders in recent seasons but – in his absence – summer signing Ezri Konsa has stepped in seamlessly to help Arsenal back to the top of the table. Indeed, since Konsa's arrival from Aston Villa for £55m, he and Gabriel Magalhaes have struck up a formidable partnership, with Arsenal again boasting the league's tightest defence, conceding just five goals in nine games. Saliba had been managing his back issue throughout last season but was sent to see a specialist after the World Cup. It was decided he did not need to undergo surgery but would require a lengthy rehabilitation. No