The Arsenal defender missed Saturday’s Premier League game with Aston Villa.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has explained why William Saliba was missing from the line-up for the Gunners’ Premier League game with Aston Villa.
The Frenchman was not in the squad for the return of Unai Emery to the Emirates, with Jurrien Timber filling in at centre-back while Thomas Partey deputised at right-back.
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What Arteta said
The Arsenal manager revealed that Saliba sustained a muscular injury and was unable to train, forcing the Spaniard to make changes to his starting line-up.
Mikel Arteta has explained why William Saliba missed Arsenal’s Premier League fixture with Aston Villa (Credit: Imago)
“He felt something before the match, something muscular,” Arteta told Sky Sports. “I don’t think it’s too much, but he could not train yesterday. He wasn’t feeling good enough to play so we have to assess the situation.”
He continued: “No, no, hopefully not (too serious), he wasn’t feeling good after the game (against Tottenham on Wednesday). We have to do further tests. to understand what he’s got.”
Though the severity of Saliba’s injury remains unknown, the news comes as a significant setback for Arsenal, who are already without several key players due to injury.
Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Ethan Nwaneri, Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu are all currently unavailable for selection, and Saliba’s absence further depletes Arsenal’s defensive options, leaving Arteta with limited choices at the back.
What next for Arsenal?
The Gunners are back in action after Premier League exertions when they host Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League on Wednesday.
It’s so sad that Mikel Arteta Was the to explain why saliba was absent.
Saliba muscular injury unable him not to train. This resulted to Spaniard to make changes to his starting line-up.
No player feel good while on injury because it takes player back to crash , sorry player
I think Arsenal is in trouble for not winning they last match against Aston villa