A game-by-game guide Mikel Arteta should adhere to for reintegrating William Saliba

Arsenal's defensive record at the start of this season is nothing short of extraordinary. They've conceded just five goals in 10 matches, keeping seven clean sheets in the process. Remarkably, they could yet go up another level in this department this season.

The Gunners' defensive solidity is a crucial part of their identity, and it has ultimately laid the foundation for their success. Mikel Arteta's men pride themselves on their resilience and their out-of-possession structure, with everyone acutely aware of their roles and responsibilities.

Ezri Konsa has seamlessly slotted into this defensive system, but the England international might be about to see his minutes slashed, through no fault of his own. William Saliba is back in the picture after a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a back injury. He played 45 minutes for the under-21s last week, and should be available for selection for the senior side again after the international break.

That said, Arteta must be careful when reintegrating his imperious centre-half. He can't afford to recklessly rush the Frenchman back, as this is often how we see repeat injuries occur.

How Mikel Arteta should reintegrate William Saliba post-international break

Arteta has improved tenfold at managing his players in the last two years, particularly after severe injuries. Jurrien Timber was eased back in earlier this season, playing short cameos and rotating in and out early on before being relied upon for 90 minutes consistently. The same needs to be done with Saliba.

It's certainly true that Arsenal have much more information than we do. They have all the medical data and the sports science knowledge in the world.

That's not going to prevent us from concocting an incredibly uninofmred step-by-step guide which Arteta simply needs to adhere to regarding Saliba's reintegration. Here it is:

Newcastle (A) - 21st Nov - Definitely too early to start. Even if he's played some minutes in a behind-closed-doors friendly during the international break, it would be reckless to throw him into the cauldron that is St. James Park for his first real minutes since the World Cup. If Arsenal have a two-goal cushion heading into the final 20 minutes, hand him a cameo, just so he can start building his fitness and re-find his rhythm.

Dortmund (H) - 24th Nov - START. This may look like a tough game to be thrown back into, but it's frighteningly the easiest fixture Arsenal have in the upcoming month. No matter the outcome at Newcastle, Saliba has to start against the German giants. However, he should be replaced at half-time. 45 minutes in the tank will do wonders.

Manchester City (H) - 29th Nov - Leave him on the bench and bring him on only in cases of emergency. This is too big a game to mess around with a potentially rusty player, and there's no reason to do so if Konsa and Gabriel are available. There's unfortunately not enough time before this clash to adequately prepare him for it.

Brentford (A) - 2nd Dec - Start. It's yet another tough game in quick succession, but Saliba's fitness will need building at this point. After a rest against City, he should be fresh to play at least an hour before Konsa can be brought on. Don't let him go for 90.

Tottenham (A) - 6th Dec - Rest again. After sustaining such a fragile injury, he can't be playing every few days just yet. Use Konsa in the derby.

Real Madrid (H) - 9th Dec - Start him and give him the full 90 minutes. Arsenal need Saliba against Kylian Mbappe - he's one of the only defenders who have been able to stop his compatriot several times. He'll have had enough time to build match sharpness at this point, so unleash him on the best striker in the world.

Bournemouth (H) - 13th Dec - Back to the bench against the Cherries, having played his first full 90 minutes back against Los Blancos just four days prior.

After the clash with Marco Rose's side, Arsenal have a week off before facing Manchester United. Saliba should be properly back in the fold by this point, and Arteta shouldn't have to be as cautious managing his minutes as the Christmas period approaches.

Add us as a preferred source on Google