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

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta will soon have a big defensive dilemma.

But it is one that will be both welcome to the Arsenal boss and the envy of other top teams across the continent.

That's because William Saliba - a key figure in the Gunners' title win last season - is back in training, having missed the entire campaign so far because of a back injury following his early withdrawal in France's World Cup semi-final loss to Spain.

The 25-year-old has been one of the Premier League's top defenders in recent seasons but - in his absence - summer signing Ezri Konsa has stepped in seamlessly to help Arsenal back to the top of the table.

Indeed, since Konsa's arrival from Aston Villa for £55m, he and Gabriel Magalhaes have struck up a formidable partnership, with Arsenal again boasting the league's tightest defence, conceding just five goals in nine games.

Saliba had been managing his back issue throughout last season but was sent to see a specialist after the World Cup.

It was decided he did not need to undergo surgery but would require a lengthy rehabilitation. No timescale on his return was set.

The France international had been doing individual training at Arsenal's base but has now returned to full training before their Champions League meeting with Slavia Prague and then, a busy festive schedule looming.

Saliba and regular partner Gabriel were a huge reason why the Gunners won the Premier League title for the first time in 22 years last season.

Their partnership was the bedrock of Arteta's team, which conceded only 27 league goals. Saliba was then named in the PFA team of the year for the fourth consecutive time.

Arsenal have always said that they will be cautious with Saliba's return but his return to fitness will leave Arteta with some tough choices to make in his backline.

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Konsa's excellent start

Such was Arsenal's strength in defence, there were questions about whether they needed to sign Konsa when the Gunners decided to spend £55m on the England international.

But the centre-back has been one of the club's best players this season as they sit top of the Premier League.

Some have even suggested Konsa and Gabriel have become the best partnership in world football, external.

Arsenal already had seven senior defenders when they signed Konsa including one of the most solid and well-established partnerships in world football in Saliba and Gabriel.

But in Saliba's absence, Konsa has started seven of Arsenal's nine Premier League matches, having joined just hours before their opening match against Coventry before coming on against former club Aston Villa for his debut.

And Arteta has said the way that Konsa has settled for the Gunners has been "unbelievable".

The defender made 286 appearances for Villa after joining in July 2019 from Brentford and helped them win the Europa League in May, the club's first European trophy since 1982.

He has established himself as a first-choice starter for England and started seven of the eight games the Three Lions played at the World Cup.

And what could now prove a big clue to his Arsenal future - he started the quarter-final against Norway at right back.

Konsa is an imposing figure, quick across the ground, and his aggression in challenges has impressed supporters.

The 29-year-old scored the opener against Everton in Arsenal's 2-0 win and put in another commanding performance as the Gunners beat Liverpool at Anfield for the first time in 14 years on Sunday.

Arsenal host Hull on Saturday before the next international break starts this month.

That time will allow Saliba to further build up his fitness before he will become a regular option again for Arteta.

However, when Saliba does return, Arteta is going to have to disappoint someone.

Ben White and Jurrien Timber have been Arsenal's first choice right-backs this season and are dependable top-level options.

Both have previously had fitness issues but White has been available for all but one of Arsenal's games this campaign.

Konsa could move to right-back, a position he also made his England debut in, which would allow Saliba to slot in next to Gabriel in his regular spot.

Arteta values physicality in his Arsenal side and moving Konsa, who is physically imposing, to right-back would give opposition attackers a formidable challenge.

Saliba's return also lowers the chance of game time for young centre-back Cristhian Mosquera and his low number of minutes so far this season will raise questions about his future, even though he has recovered from a hamstring injury.