Arsenal fear that William Saliba could sustain a long-term injury if he plays again this season, meaning his campaign could be over. The 21-year-old Frenchman has been out for the last five weeks after injuring his back in a Europa League defeat to Sporting Lisbon and the Gunners have taken just three points from their last nine matches without him. Mikel Arteta had hoped to have Saliba back after the international break but the Daily Mail report that he has sustained ‘structural damage’ to his back, and any flare-up could result in a prolonged period on the sidelines. As such, Arsenal have conceded that Saliba may sit out the remainder of the campaign, despite their desperation to restore him to the starting line-up. This is in order to protect his development, as they face a title decider against Manchester City on Wednesday. Should the Gunners lose, they will have a one-point lead at the top having played two games more than City.