William Saliba has taken another major step in his recovery from a back injury after returning to running on grass, with the Arsenal defender reportedly on course for a possible return in November. Meanwhile, Martin Ødegaard has provided another positive development after being included in Norway’s squad for the Nations League clash against Wales.
Arsenal have received encouraging injury news during the October international break, with William Saliba making progress in his rehabilitation and captain Martin Ødegaard also showing signs of improvement.
Saliba has been sidelined since suffering a back problem after representing France at the 2026 World Cup. The centre-back had been managing the issue during the tournament before eventually being forced off during France’s semi-final defeat to Spain.
The latest development is particularly encouraging for Arsenal supporters because the 25-year-old has now progressed from rehabilitation work and cycling to running on grass.
Reports from France indicate that Saliba is targeting a return during November, although there is no confirmed date for his comeback. Arsenal are expected to take a cautious approach rather than risk bringing him back before he is fully ready.
William Saliba takes another step in Arsenal recovery
Saliba’s injury initially raised concerns that he could require surgery. However, specialist assessments reportedly resulted in a decision to manage the problem conservatively through rehabilitation.
Arsenal subsequently confirmed that surgery was not recommended and that the defender would undergo a managed recovery programme.
That approach appears to be progressing well.
A recent scan reportedly showed positive signs in Saliba’s recovery, while his return to running represents another important stage before he can resume full training and competitive football.
The fact that Saliba is back running does not necessarily mean he is close to immediately returning to Arsenal’s starting XI. Players recovering from significant injuries normally have to progress through several stages, including individual running, strength and conditioning work, ball work, team training and eventually competitive minutes.
That makes November a potential target rather than a guaranteed comeback date.
Saliba injury timeline
| Development | Latest information |
|---|---|
| Injury | Back problem |
| Initial concern | Surgery was considered but ultimately not recommended |
| Rehabilitation | Managed recovery programme |
| Latest progress | Running on grass |
| Possible return | November 2026 |
| Confirmed return date | Not announced |
Arsenal’s medical team will therefore be expected to continue monitoring Saliba’s progress carefully.
Martin Ødegaard provides another Arsenal injury boost
There is also encouraging news surrounding Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard.
The Norwegian midfielder suffered an ankle problem during Norway’s recent Nations League match against Portugal following a challenge from Bernardo Silva.
Ødegaard subsequently had limited involvement in training, leading to concerns that he could miss Norway’s upcoming fixture against Wales and potentially return to Arsenal with another injury setback.
However, the situation has since become more positive.
Ødegaard was included in Norway’s official squad for the Wales match, while reports from Norway indicated that he had returned to the training field. His availability for the match was still subject to a fitness assessment, but his inclusion in the squad represents a significant improvement from the initial concern.
Norway’s medical staff have also remained in contact with Arsenal regarding the midfielder’s condition.
The latest reports suggest that the ankle problem is not considered a significant injury, although the midfielder’s participation still depends on how he responds during the final stages of his recovery.
Arsenal still monitoring several injury concerns
The positive developments involving Saliba and Ødegaard come at a time when Arsenal are managing several fitness issues.
The Premier League’s latest injury update lists Saliba among Arsenal’s injured players, alongside Kai Havertz, Ben White and Cristhian Mosquera.
Havertz has been dealing with a hamstring problem picked up while on international duty with Germany, while Mosquera has been recovering from a muscle issue.
Ben White has also had a fitness concern but has been expected to be available after the international break.
Arsenal are scheduled to return to Premier League action against Leeds United on October 10, meaning the international break provides valuable recovery time for several players.
Why Saliba’s return could be important for Arsenal
Saliba’s eventual return would strengthen Mikel Arteta’s defensive options significantly.
During his absence, Arsenal have relied on alternative combinations at centre-back, with summer signing Ezri Konsa playing an important role alongside Gabriel Magalhães.
Konsa’s performances have helped Arsenal cope with Saliba’s absence, but the return of the French international would give Arteta another established option in central defence.
Saliba has become an important part of Arsenal’s defensive structure since joining the club, and his recovery has therefore been closely monitored by supporters.
The immediate priority, however, will be ensuring that the defender completes his rehabilitation successfully.
Arsenal fans receive encouraging injury update
The latest developments provide Arsenal with two separate reasons for optimism.
Saliba has moved from cycling and rehabilitation work to running on grass, while Ødegaard has progressed sufficiently to be included in Norway’s squad for the Wales fixture.
Neither development should be interpreted as confirmation that the players are fully fit. Saliba still has several rehabilitation stages to complete before returning to competitive football, while Ødegaard’s involvement for Norway depends on his response to the ankle problem.
For Arsenal, the objective will be to ensure both players return at the appropriate stage rather than rushing either player back.
If Saliba continues progressing without setbacks, November remains the reported target for his return. Ødegaard, meanwhile, could provide a much earlier boost depending on his fitness and involvement during the international break.
For now, Arsenal supporters have received the kind of injury update they were hoping for: two key players are moving in the right direction.
