William Saliba is still yet to play for Arsenal this season having slowly worked his way back to fitness following a back injury

Arsenal defender William Saliba has been omitted from France's squad for upcoming Nations League matches against Italy and Turkey.

While the centre-back was named in Wednesday's squad for the 2-1 Champions League victory over Slavia Prague, he is still yet to kick a ball in a competitive match for the Gunners so far this season.

Saliba played 45 minutes in a behind-closed-door match last week following a three-and-a-half-month lay-off as he continues to carefully rebuild his fitness.

Arsenal's medical staff discussed the situation in detail with the French Football Federation and Zinedine Zidane has now decided that Saliba will stay with his club during the break.

While Mikel Arteta indicated on Friday that the 25-year-old needs minutes, the decision ensures Arsenal remain in control of Saliba's conditioning and reintegration, which they will carry out at their own pace.

Make sure you never miss the latest Arsenal news and opinion by making Football London one of your Google preferred sources

There would likely have been uproar had Saliba gone away with France and picked up a setback or issue before he's even played for the Gunners this term.

Arteta said on Friday, prior to France's squad announcement: "We've been in very close contact [with France], I think they're announcing at 5pm this evening, so they have all the information.

"Now it's about them, about Zinedine [Zidane] in this case, to give the call. We will accept whatever it is. It's more between them, because William needs minutes as well.

"I know how much he loves to be around the national team, it's a new manager, a really exciting one as well, so whatever he's decided is fine for us."

France are without Chelsea centre-back Maxence Lacroix, who recently suffered a hamstring injury in the Carabao Cup fourth round defeat at Liverpool.

Real Madrid's Ibrahima Konate has returned to the French fold after losing his starting place at the World Cup. Dayot Upamecano is also suspended against Italy.

Saliba missed Zidane's first international camp due to the back injury he sustained in the World Cup semi-final defeat to Spain in Dallas.

He could earn minutes on Saturday when Arsenal host Hull City in the Premier League, however, the likelihood is that he'll be properly reintegrated after the international break.

Ezri Konsa is fit to face the Tigers following a knee injury issue in midweek while Cristhian Mosquera is also pushing for an opportunity after a hamstring strain halted his early-season momentum - he started wins over Coventry City and Aston Villa.