William Saliba injury latest: Arsenal return date, France decision, Major worry
Arsenal defender William Saliba picked up an injury in last week’s Europa League disappointment against Sporting CP.
The Gunners were eliminated on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the second leg, but Saliba’s injury could be the night’s biggest disappointment for fans considering the north London side were in contention for their first win in the Premier League is vying for titles in 19 years this season. The France international was substituted off against Sporting in the first half and appeared to be holding his lower back as he trotted off the field.
That said, football.london has summarized all the information we have on the 21-year-old’s injury as we take a two-week break from club football due to the international break.
READ MORE: Arsenal vs Crystal Palace highlights: Double by Saka helps Gunners move 8 points clear of Man City
Decision France
The French Football Federation have officially announced that Saliba will be replaced from the men’s senior team following injury after being called up to the squad last week.
Les Blues play the Netherlands and the Republic of Ireland over the next fortnight but Saliba has to watch from home as he awaits further details on the severity of his back problem.
Arteta entry
Saliba wasn’t the only Arsenal defender to get injured against Sporting. In fact, right-back Takehiro Tomiyasu has also had a problem and the Japan international’s injury certainly looks more serious judging by coach Mikel Arteta.
“We do not know it [how bad Tomiyasu’s injury is]’ Arteta said after Sunday’s win over Crystal Palace. “The doctor evaluates. We have an evaluation and I think they must have another evaluation tomorrow.
“It’s not looking good. Tomi isn’t one to exaggerate things. He was very concerned straight away and we are concerned.”
When asked if there was a little more hope at Saliba, Arteta responded by saying, “We hope Willy brings better news. We have to wait until tomorrow (Monday) again to get a better picture.”
weeks claim
According to French outlet L’Equipe, Saliba could be sidelined for “several weeks” in what would be a major blow to Arsenal’s title quest.
The Gunners next play on April 1 when they welcome Leeds United to the Emirates Stadium before traveling to Anfield a week later to take on Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool on April 9.
miss palace
The Gunners were due to assess Saliba over the weekend to decide if he is available for the Crystal Palace game at the Emirates Stadium. football.london understands. However, he did not make the matchday squad, missing his first league game of the season in the process.
Rob Holding took the young defender’s place in Mikel Arteta’s starting XI as the north Londoners secured a 4-1 win over the Eagles thanks to goals from Gabriel Martinelli, Granit Xhaka and a brace from Bukayo Saka.
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