Mikel Arteta is hopeful William Saliba will feature again for Arsenal this season but has ruled him out of Saturday’s Premier League game against Leeds United.
The 22-year-old has been in outstanding his form this season, cementing his place at the heart of his side’s defence after returning from his loan spell at Marseille in the summer.
Saliba had been an ever-present in the Premier League this season prior to the 4-1 win over Crystal Palace before the international break.
The France international picked up what appeared to be a back injury during Arsenal’s shock Europa League defeat against Sporting Lisbon and was forced to pull out of Didier Deschamps’ squad ahead of the Euro 2024 qualifiers against Holland and Ireland.
According to reports, Arsenal were shocked to discover that scans revealed the injury was much worse than first thought and feared Saliba could miss the rest of the season.
Fortunately, it appears Saliba will not require surgery at this stage and although he will miss Saturday’s game against Leeds, there is a hope he can still feature prominently during the run-in, beginning with next week’s daunting trip to Liverpool.
‘He is progressing unfortunately he still has some discomfort in his back,’ said Arteta at his pre-match press conference.
‘He’s not gonna be fit for this game and we’re trying to do everything to feel better. But not yet.’
Asked if Saliba would feature again this season, Arteta added: Yeah I am very hopeful and he is as well. Back injuries are a bit tricky and how they evolve with the load that you put in certain areas.
‘Let’s push it and see how he copes with that. He’s so willing to be back in the team.’
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