Arsenal defender William Saliba to miss clash with Man City on Wednesday; Fears Frenchman could miss the rest of the season; Saliba has missed Arsenal’s last five games after injuring his back against Sporting Lisbon in the Europa League
Image:Saliba has missed Arsenal’s last five games after coming off injured against Sporting Lisbon in their Europa League tie last month
Arsenal defender William Saliba will miss Wednesday night’s crucial Premier League clash against Manchester City with his back injury.
Ahead of the top-of-the-table clash at the Etihad, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta confirmed: There’s not been a real improvement unfortunately on him, so we are still waiting. It’ll be another week that has gone by and he hasn’t been able to train with the team.”
Arteta also revealed that Granit Xhaka, who missed Friday’s draw with Southampton due to illness, remains a doubt.
Saliba has missed Arsenal’s last five games after coming off injured against Sporting Lisbon in their Europa League tie last month.
Rob Holding has started in the 22-year-old’s absence and the Gunners have failed to keep a clean sheet during that period.
Why Saliba’s absence is hurting Arsenal
Arsenal have shown complacency during their recent dip in form but Saliba’s absence due to injury is a big problem too.
Saliba had started every Premier League game for Arsenal this season before injuring his back and his absence is hurting the Gunners offensively as well as defensively in the Premier League title race with Man City.
Written ahead of Arsenal’s 3-3 draw with Southampton, read Nick Wright’s feature here.
senal have shown complacency during their recent dip in form but Saliba’s absence due to injury is a big problem too.
Carney: Arsenal fighting but defence a worry
Image:Rob Holding and Thomas Partey look dejected after one of Southampton’s goals
Speaking after Arsenal’s 3-3 draw with Southampton, Sky Sports’ Karen Carney fears Arsenal’s defensive struggles are their biggest worry heading to the Etihad.
She said: “I said I didn’t see how they were getting back into the game against Southampton but somehow, they are still in this race and scrapping.
“Do I think they can go to City and get the win? No, I don’t, but I don’t think Arteta could say anything else.
“This is about clean sheets too and at the moment, I don’t see how they keep a clean sheet. The defence just doesn’t look like it has any confidence and not themselves. That’s a bit of a worry when you see how dominant City are.
“It’s going to be a big ask but Arsenal are scrapping and fighting.”
Source: skysports.com
