William Saliba has been pictured back training with Arsenal’s first-team in a huge boost to Mikel Arteta’s side.

The Premier League title-winning centre-back has not played this season due to a back injury picked up during this summer’s World Cup.

But the 25-year-old is now closing in on a return for the Gunners and trained with Arteta’s squad before Wednesday’s Champions League trip to Slavia Prague.

Summer signing Ezri Konsa has impressed as Saliba’s replacement alongside Gabriel Magalhaes, with the Gunners keeping four clean sheets in a row in the Premier League.

That includes Sunday’s 1-0 victory at Liverpool as Arteta’s side produced a defensive masterclass to win at Anfield for the first time in 14 years.

Saliba, 25, is unlikely to be rushed back into action after an extended lay-off, but his return is a boost to Arteta’s side as they look to defend their Premier League crown this season.