Mikel Arteta, the manager of Arsenal, reveals the truth about William Saliba’s injury before the match against Leeds.
Arsenal defender William Saliba has been out with a back injury suffered against Sporting before the international break.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has clarified William Saliba’s back injury and stated that fans can expect to see him again this season. The Frenchman’s excellent debut Premier League campaign appeared to be over in midweek when reports suggested he would be out for the rest of the season due to the problem.
But Arteta is optimistic about the situation and believes Saliba will return at some point to help the Gunners during the crucial run-in.
“We’re hoping to see him before the end of the season; we’re managing him; he won’t be available tomorrow,” Arteta said ahead of Leeds’ visit.
“He’s improving, but he’s still in pain, and he’s not going to be ready for this game.”
Saliba was forced off the field of play during the first half of Arsenal’s Europa League knockout loss to Sporting earlier this month.
His condition was then closely monitored ahead of the 4-1 home win over Crystal Palace, and an online picture on social media of Saliba posing next to a fan in Tesco sparked hope that the injury wasn’t as serious as first thought.
However, after failing to demonstrate his fitness for the Eagles’ visit, Saliba withdrew from the France national team squad for Euro 2024 qualifiers against the Netherlands and the Republic of Ireland.
It’s clear he’s still suffering from the issue, and Arsenal’s medical staff will be working with him closely to get him back up to speed as soon as possible.
After impressing on loan at Marseille last season, Saliba has been one of Arsenal’s standout performers this season.
He has been a key member of Arsenal’s third-tightest backline this season, forming an eye-catching partnership with Gabriel Magalhaes at the heart of the defense.
When Leeds visit the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, Rob Holding could keep his place alongside the Brazilian.
Despite an early scare when Wilfried Zaha rattled the post, the Englishman delivered a credible performance when filling in for Saliba against Crystal Palace.
After a shaky debut against Sporting in a 2-2 draw in Portugal, new signing Jakub Kiwior is also waiting for another opportunity.
After leading Arsenal to four consecutive Premier League victories in March, Arteta was named Premier League Manager of the Month on Friday.
The Gunners defeated Everton, Bournemouth, Fulham, and Crystal Palace to add to their victories over Aston Villa and Leicester at the end of February.
The Premier League leaders still have some difficult games to play, including a season-defining trip to Manchester City on April 26 that could decide the title.
Next weekend, Arteta’s challengers travel to Liverpool, who have already beaten Manchester City and Manchester United at Anfield this season.
Mikel Arteta, the manager of Arsenal, reveals the truth about William Saliba’s injury before the match against Leeds.
