Mikel Arteta has revealed that he is uncertain if William Saliba will be fit to play for Arsenal before the end of the season. The 22-year-old centre-back has been out of action since picking up an injury in the Gunners’ penalty shootout defeat to Sporting Lisbon in March, and Arteta admitted that Saliba’s recovery is taking longer than expected. Rob Holding has filled in for Saliba in his absence, and when asked if he was concerned that the France international may not feature again this year, Arteta said: “I don’t know, it’s a bit early to do [predictions]. Probably next week we are going to have more certainty. There is some evolution, he is doing more activity, but he is not there yet to start to throw him on the pitch at the level that the sessions demand to compete in this league.”
Regarding Bukayo Saka’s missed penalty in the draw with West Ham, Arteta said: “He [Saka] loves responsibility but he puts a lot on his shoulders as well. Again, if he had any doubt about how much people love him, respect him and admire him at the club, I think he had a very overwhelming reaction from everyone in the building.” The 21-year-old England forward is set to continue taking spot-kicks for Arsenal, with Arteta saying: “Yes. If not, I will go on the pitch and throw him the ball to make sure he takes the next one.”