MIKEL ARTETA has provided an update on when defender William Saliba will return for Arsenal duty.
The defender had been in Qatar for the World Cup with France and suffered heartbreak after losing the final to Argentina.
The Gunners return to competitive action on Boxing Day as they face West Ham at the Emirates Stadium in the Premier League.
While they will certainly be without star striker Gabriel Jesus after he picked up a knee injury at the World Cup, Arteta has suggested that Saliba could feature in his team.
He said: “Everyone is here, they were all fine.
“Some came earlier than expected and they were buzzing to be back and part of it.
“I feel a really good energy around the place.
“They have got straight away into the rhythm and what we want.
“They are in a really good place. Obviously a huge blow with Gabriel Jesus and his injury and we’ll miss him for a period of time.
“The season has challenges, that’s a challenge we have to overcome, but if you’re going to be at the top there’s going to be those challenges.”
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Arsenal went into the break for the World Cup in great form and were top of the Premier League table.
And they will be hoping to continue that trend against David Moyes’ Hammers, who are under-performing in the league this season with the club languishing in 16th place.
