Arsenal handed big injury boost as Champions League squad confirmed | OneFootball

Defender has been injured for start of new season

Arsenal have been handed a big injury boost after their Champions League squad was confirmed on Thursday.

The Gunners have included William Saliba in their 22-man squad for this season’s European campaign, with Mikel Arteta’s men looking to get over their final defeat hangover from last May.

The north Londoners were beaten on penalties by Paris Saint-Germain in Budapest, Hungary, with Saliba’s centre-back partner Gabriel skying his spot-kick to retain the title for the Ligue 1 outfit.

Saliba’s inclusion in the squad will come as welcome news for Arsenal fans, who have not seen their central defender in action this term after his back injury flared up.

Included: William Saliba

AFP/Getty

The Frenchman admitted during the World Cup that he had played through the pain barrier for his club in their quest to win a first Premier League title in 22 years, and he also played a key role in their run to the Champions League final.

While there is no timeline for a comeback yet, Saliba being named in the squad for the upcoming league phase will be a huge boost.

The Gunners were forced to enter the transfer market and purchase Ezri Konsa for £51million from Aston Villa to add cover at the heart of defence, while Cristhian Mosquera has deputised ably in the No2’s absence.

Elsewhere in the squad, new recruits Bruno Guimaraes, Christos Tzolis, Ilan Meslier and Konsa are all included as well, while Jurrien Timber is also named despite his stuttering recovery from a persistent groin niggle.