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William Saliba is available for Arsenal‘s Champions League trip to Slavia Prague after completing his recovery from the back injury which has kept him out this season.
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Saliba travelled with the squad on Tuesday and could make his first competitive appearance of the campaign at the Fortuna Arena on Wednesday evening.
Mikel Arteta confirmed the defender played 45 minutes in a behind-closed-doors game last week and is now ready to be considered, although whether he is used will depend on what Arsenal need.
“Yes, he’s in a really good place,” Arteta said. “I think the process and the timings and in the manner that the injury has been dealt with, and especially the feelings that Willy has been having along the way, they’ve been very, very positive.
“So, his evolution has been as expected, which is not always the case. He feels very comfortable. He played 45 minutes [behind] closed doors last week and he feels ready to go. So whether we use him or not now is a matter of what the team needs.”
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There is also a chance for Max Dowman.
The teenager is available in Europe because his three-match suspension applies only to domestic fixtures. He missed the win at Anfield following his dismissal against Fleetwood, but could now make his first Champions League start.
Asked whether Dowman could start, Arteta said: “It’s another year in his career and he’s shown that every time he’s played with us, he has a lot to offer. So that would be now a matter of a choice from my side to pick him.”
Bukayo Saka remains unavailable, while Eberechi Eze has been dealing with a minor injury. The Evening Standard reports that Eze’s problem is not expected to keep him out in Prague.
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Christos Tzolis is also available after returning from a hamstring injury, although his recent comeback could affect how his minutes are managed.
Myles Lewis-Skelly and Mikel Merino provide further options in midfield, while Arteta must decide whether to keep Declan Rice in the side after his performance at Anfield.
There could also be a change up front.
Viktor Gyökeres is available to return despite Kai Havertz scoring the winner against Liverpool on Sunday.
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