Arsenal handed injury boost as William Saliba plan revealed: 'No need to panic'

The Frenchman started against Aston Villa on Sunday, as he continues to step up his comeback from a serious back injury.

Saliba had been out since the World Cup semi-finals in the summer but he is now closing in on a return to first-team action.

Max Dowman - who is serving a three-match suspension at senior level after his sending off in the shock Carabao Cup defeat by Fleetwood last month - was among the scorers as he starred in a playmaker role.

Saliba was replaced at half-time but Arsenal’s U21s head coach David Horseman confirmed that was always the intention.

Back in action: William Saliba played the first half for Arsenal’s U21s against Aston Villa

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“He’s fine, by the way, it was all pre-planned, so nobody needs to panic,” Horseman said.

Saliba was at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday to watch Arsenal beat Hull 1-0 and extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table to five points.

He then joined up with the U21s on Sunday morning and impressed Horseman with his attitude and impact on the young group.

“Just the way he was in the meeting, everything about him, the way he prepares on the bus, the lads probably won’t notice it, but they should,” Horseman said.

“The way he coaches and talks on the pitch, and then his quality, like the pass from Max to slip in Marcell [Washington] for Andre’s [Harriman-Annous] first goal. The detail of play, and he mixed his game up between short and long.

“Obviously, everybody knows he’s a world-class defender, one of the best in the world, if not the best. It was brilliant, but he was so good around the lads, you’d never know it.

“He’s a brilliant pro, great guy, and we’re really thankful for him to act like that, because if he does it, there’s no excuse for the rest not to do it. It was brilliant having him. I’d love him every week.

“Obviously, that’d be lovely, but he’ll leave us soon and go back with the first team.”