William Saliba praised by Arsenal U21s boss as France star nears comeback

Arsenal Under-21s boss David Horseman has lauded the professionalism and humility of center-back William Saliba after the French international made a return to the club's development side. Saliba had been absent from the pitch for over three and a half months due to injury. During a match against Boreham Wood, Saliba played 45 minutes of the game.

Horseman was particularly impressed with Saliba's attitude, noting that the 25-year-old went above and beyond the call of duty by fully engaging in the team environment, despite the injury layoff. The coach described Saliba as the ultimate professional, highlighting his composure and dedication. He mentioned that Saliba's manner in the changing room, on the bus, and on the pitch set an example for the younger players.

Saliba's contribution to the team was evident in his playmaking ability, as seen through a pass that led to Marcell Washington scoring the opening goal. The center-back's distribution and overall game management were also praised. Saliba's performance helped Arsenal U21s secure their first league win of the campaign.

Saliba's return is a crucial step in his recovery journey, and his willingness to play for the Under-21s demonstrates his commitment to regaining full fitness. The next challenge for the U21s will be maintaining their strong performance levels in future matches, especially with senior players unavailable. Saliba's experience will be invaluable as the team looks to build on their recent success.