Mohamed Elneny has provided a major update on his teammate William Saliba, revealing that the France international is making progress in his rehabilitation from a back injury that has derailed his and Arsenal’s season. Saliba suffered a back strain during Arsenal’s Europa League defeat against Sporting Lisbon a month ago and has missed the last four matches. Initially, it appeared as though Arsenal would cope in his absence, registering consecutive 4-1 victories, but cracks have emerged in recent weeks with Rob Holding culpable in the concession of two-goal leads against both Liverpool and West Ham. Mikel Arteta has been guarded with his updates on Saliba’s status but had been hopeful that the centre-half would be able to play again this season. The sight of Saliba back in the gym working out on an exercise bike, posted by Elneny, will certainly be taken as a sign of encouragement by fans concerned that the 22-year-old season was over.
Injury may have ruled Elneny out for the remainder of the campaign but he is determined to play a part in Arsenal’s Premier League title challenge. While his team-mates prepare for the visit of bottom club Southampton on Friday night, Elneny will be continuing his recovery from knee surgery which ended his season when he went under the knife in January. He has largely been seen as a squad player at the Emirates Stadium ever since his arrival from Basle in January 2016 but he is widely respected inside the walls of Arsenal’s London Colney training base. Elneny stated that he is still a part of what is going on at the moment and that he comes to the football club every morning with a smile on his face to give energy to people when they need it. He also tries to look after his family and give everything to this family in order to be successful.