William Saliba’s injury during Arsenal’s Europa League defeat to Sporting Lisbon has left Mikel Arteta uncertain about the extent of the defender’s injury. Saliba left the Emirates turf in the 21st minute of the game and was replaced by Rob Holding. The Frenchman walked off the field of his own accord, but it was still an unwelcome sight for Arsenal. The Gunners had just taken the lead in the last 16 tie through Granit Xhaka, having drawn the first leg in Lisbon 2-2. However, there was instantly some bad news as Saliba left the game with what appeared to be a back injury, joining fellow defender Takehiro Tomiyasu in being a first-half casualty.
Saliba is a key piece of Arsenal’s Premier League-leading form, with only Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Magalhaes having played more minutes for Mikel Arteta in all competitions this season. On the severity of Tomiyasu and Saliba’s injuries, Arteta said after the match: “I don’t know. Tomiyasu looks pretty serious from his reaction and what he said to me. Willy I don’t know, he had some discomfort and could not continue.”
Things didn’t get much better for Arsenal, who were taken to extra-time after Pedro Goncalves equalised for the visitors with an incredible effort from 46 yards out. Neither side could find a winner in extra-time, meaning the last-16 tie went to a penalty shootout, which the Portuguese outfit won 5-4 with Gabriel Martinelli seeing his spot-kick saved.
The extent of Saliba’s injury isn’t known, but it could be a significant moment as Arsenal look to bring home their first Premier League title in 19 years. Arsenal face Crystal Palace at the Emirates on Sunday before the international break and still need to face Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea and Newcastle in their run-in. Saliba’s injury will be a massive concern for Arteta ahead of the season’s run-in.