According to reports, William Saliba is willing to take a risk and potentially further injure himself in order to play in Arsenal’s title run-in. The centre-back has been out of action for the last four matches due to a back problem, but is set to begin training on grass this week. Saliba is eager to play against Southampton on Friday and in the crucial match against Manchester City on April 26, but Arsenal’s medical staff are concerned that rushing his rehabilitation could cause more damage to his lower back. Despite this, the Gunners are aware of Saliba’s importance and are considering whether it is worth the risk.
Arsenal have not kept a clean sheet in the four games that Rob Holding has played in Saliba’s absence, and have also thrown away two-goal leads against Liverpool and West Ham. Saliba had started in all 27 league matches before his injury. Despite currently sitting at the top of the table, four points ahead of Manchester City, Arsenal are aware that the momentum is now with Pep Guardiola’s side, who are in incredible form and have a game in hand. There is reportedly a belief within the Arsenal camp that the meeting between the top two teams next Wednesday will ultimately decide the destination of the Premier League title.