Arsenal handed fresh William Saliba boost as France make squad announcement

France manager Zinedine Zidane has left William Saliba out of the national squad, allowing the defender to remain with Arsenal during the upcoming international break. The 25-year-old center-back has yet to play competitively this season following a three-and-a-half-month lay-off from a back injury sustained at the World Cup. Arsenal's medical staff consulted directly with the French Football Federation regarding his recovery.

The decision gives Arsenal full control over Saliba's conditioning and reintegration process. Manager Mikel Arteta noted that while Saliba needs match minutes, the club accepts Zidane's choice. Saliba recently completed 45 minutes in a behind-closed-doors friendly and could potentially feature when Arsenal host Hull City in the Premier League.