Latest report confirms major injury blow for Arsenal, as William Saliba could miss four key matches.
Saliba to miss key games for Arsenal due to injury
Arsenal will be missing William Saliba for three to four weeks due to his ankle injury, as per L’Equipe. The Frenchman is seen as the wall of Mikel Arteta’s defense, had the issue before the big encounter with Liverpool.
His absence removes him from PL games against Nottingham Forest, Manchester City, and Newcastle United. He will be missing the UCL game against Athletic Club Bilbao as well. For a side chasing the league title losing a player of such quality at this stage seems a major setback.
Saliba has been the calm head and leader in defense. Now, its means Arsenal will have to cope without him in games that could decide their season. The pressure now falls on Arteta’s summer signings. They could be called in to plug the gap. The new arrivals have the tools but will be thrown straight into the fire with little time to settle.
Gunners’ title hopes under pressure
The north London side have come close to the top prize in recent years but have always fallen just short. This season, Arteta has been backed heavily in the transfer market and fans are demanding trophies. With the club posting the highest net spend in the league, patience is running thin. That’s why losing their best defender in the middle of a title push feels like a big worry.
Arsenal’s improved squad depth means there are options to shuffle the pack. But, handling games against Man City and Newcastle without Saliba is easier said than done. Meanwhile, the defender will be focused on a quick recovery. He will be eager to get back sooner rather than later.
Author’s Opinion:
Saliba’s injury is a cruel blow at the wrong time. If Arsenal can survive this run without slipping, it will prove they finally have the mentality of true title contenders.
