Arsenal confirm William Saliba fitness boost ahead of new season as defender recovers from foot injury

Fitness boost: Arsenal defender William Saliba has recovered from a foot injury
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Arsenal have confirmed that William Saliba is fully fit to start the new season.

The defender had been struggling with a foot problem towards the back end of the last campaign on loan at Saint-Etienne.

The 19-year-old has now recovered, though, and Arsenal have confirmed he is fully fit for the new season and on Tuesday he started a friendly at MK Dons.

While Saliba is fit, fellow centre-backs Calum Chambers, Pablo Mari and Shkodran Mustafi are still out injured.

Chambers ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee against Chelsea in December but hopes to be back in full training as soon as possible.

Mustafi, meanwhile, injured his hamstring against Manchester City in July and - after surgery - is aiming to return to full training in October.

Pablo Mari, who sprained his ankle ligaments in June, is now running outside and should return to training next month.

The longest of Arsenal’s absentees is forward Gabriel Martinelli, who had knee surgery in June after suffering an injury in training.

Meanwhile, striker Gabriel Martinelli is currently in Brazil following a 'tailored daily rehab and fitness programme'
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The youngster is currently in his native Brazil visiting family and following a tailored daily rehab and fitness programme.

Martinelli is due back in the UK on August 31 and he will then step up his rehab with the aim of a return to full training by the end of the calendar year.