William Saliba has been ruled out of Arsenal’s Premier League clash with West Ham on Sunday.
The 22-year-old has missed Arsenal’s last three fixtures after he was forced off during the Europa League tie against Sporting CP at the Emirates Stadium on March 16.
Saliba has yet to train with the first-team squad since his back injury but Arteta is hopeful that the French defender will return within the next few weeks.
‘William is still not available,’ Arteta said on Friday.
‘He’s progressing well and we are hopeful that we are going to have him available in the next few weeks but we’ll have to see.’
When asked if Saliba is out running on the grass after missing Arsenal’s open training session earlier this week, Arteta said: ‘He’s not far,
‘We’re starting to do that, obviously we need to be cautious because of the injury. But he’s evolving well.’
Arsenal currently have a six-point advantage over Manchester City at the top of the Premier League but Arteta believes his side will still need good fortune in order to see off the challenge from the reigning champions.
‘You need luck in the title race,’ Arteta said.
‘That luck and what you think is going to happen. Sometimes it’s about inches and they have to go your way.’
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