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

What the report says

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is set to face a selection decision in defence after William Saliba returned to first-team training ahead of the Champions League match against Slavia Prague, BBC Sport Football reported. Saliba has missed the season so far with a back injury, but his recovery now gives Arsenal a major boost as they continue to compete near the top of the Premier League and in Europe.

According to the report, Saliba had been working individually at Arsenal’s training base before rejoining full sessions. His absence opened the door for summer signing Ezri Konsa, who has settled quickly alongside Gabriel Magalhaes and helped Arsenal maintain one of the league’s strongest defensive records. BBC Sport said that partnership has been a key reason Arsenal sit top of the table, having conceded only five goals in nine league games.

The article notes that Arteta has several options to consider when Saliba is fully ready. Ben White and Jurrien Timber have been used at right-back, while Konsa could also move into that role to allow Saliba to return to his usual centre-back position next to Gabriel. That would leave young defender Cristhian Mosquera with fewer opportunities, although Arsenal are expected to rotate heavily across a busy run of fixtures.

More broadly, Saliba’s return is significant because he has been central to Arsenal’s recent defensive success and title challenge. BBC Sport framed the situation as a welcome problem for Arteta: a deeper squad and more competition for places, but also a difficult choice over how to fit his strongest defenders into the same team.