Arsenal defender William Saliba has admitted that he still isn’t back to full fitness following Saturday’s 2-1 victory against Nottingham Forest.
The Gunners dominated the majority of the match at the Emirates Stadium, registering the lion’s share of the possession before Eddie Nketiah broke the deadlock shortly before the half-hour mark. Bukayo Saka then doubled his side’s advantage shortly after, with Taiwo Awoniyi’s late goal just a consolation.
But it wasn’t all positives for Mikel Arteta’s men as summer signing Jurrien Timber was forced off following what appeared to be a knee injury. Now, fellow Arsenal defender Saliba has spoken about his current fitness, revealing that he hasn’t fully shaken off the injury that kept him sidelined for the final few months of the 2022/23 campaign.
“I’m really, really happy,” the French international said, via The Mirror, when asked about his return to the Emirates pitch. “I’m not 100 per cent at the moment, but I give everything to come back, because it’s been a long time.
“I didn’t play as I was injured, and I’m so happy to be with the team. The team and the staff helped me to get better and get back to my best.
“It’s always better (to play at home). You don’t feel pressure, you don’t feel any pain, it’s good.”
Saliba also spoke about the importance of the north Londoners winning their first match of the season whilst admitting that allowing Forest to score was avoidable. “It was really good to start the season with a win,” he added.
“It’s never easy to win the first game in the league, and we have done a good game. Unfortunately, we conceded a goal in the last 10 minutes, but it’s okay, we learn and will improve for the next game.”
