Arsenal have received a timely boost ahead of their UEFA Champions League encounter against Slavia Prague, with defender William Saliba returning to first-team training after an extended spell on the sidelines.

According to Channels Television, the French international joined his teammates at the club’s London Colney training base on Tuesday, marking his first involvement in training this season after suffering a back injury during the World Cup in July.

His return comes as Arsenal prepare for Wednesday’s European fixture in Prague, although he is not expected to be available for selection for the encounter.

Saliba’s absence has seen Arsenal rely on other defensive options, with England international Ezri Konsa, who joined from Aston Villa during the summer transfer window, establishing himself alongside Brazilian defender Gabriel Magalhaes.

Despite making progress in his recovery, the centre-back is also considered unlikely to be ready for France’s upcoming Nations League fixtures against Italy and Turkey later this month.