Arsenal: Mikel Arteta sends France clear William Saliba message before squad selection

Saliba has not played a single minute of football for either club or country so far this season, having been on the sidelines with a back injury since he was forced off in the World Cup semi-final defeat by Spain in July.The centre-back has stepped up his recovery in recent weeks and on Wednesday made his first return to Arsenal’s matchday squad.Saliba was an unused substitute against Slavia Prague in the Champions League and it remains to be seen whether he is involved against Hull in the Premier League on Saturday.There is a chance that Saliba’s first minutes this season come with France rather than Arsenal, with the defender in contention to be named in Zinedine Zidane’s latest Les Bleus squad.Arsenal have been in discussions with the French medical staff over Saliba’s situation.“We’ve been in very close contact,” Arteta said on Friday. “They’re announcing [their squad] at 5pm this evening.Back in action: William Saliba returned to Arsenal’s matchday squad in the Champions LeagueGetty“They have all the information, now it’s about them, about Zinedine in this case to make the call. We will accept whatever it is.”Arteta also suggested that Saliba joining up with France could be a positive for Arsenal, as the club look to build his fitness.France travel to take on Italy next Thursday before hosting Turkey three days later in their final Nations League matches.Asked whether he had concerns about Saliba being named in the French squad, Arteta said: “It’s something that is between them more.“William needs minutes as well. I know how much he loves it, to be in and around the national team.“It’s a new manager [Zidane], a really exciting one as well. Whatever is decided, it’s fine for us.”