William Saliba (©Getty Images)
William Saliba (©Getty Images)

No key man for the key game: Arsenal's defence will be without Saliba on Sunday

Reading Time: 2min | Tue. 04.04.23. | 21:12

The French defender won't recover in time for the trip to Anfield

Premier League leaders Arsenal will be without their first-choice centre-back William Saliba for Sunday's clash against Liverpool at Anfield. The back injury sustained in the Europa League defeat to Sporting Clube de Portugal proved more severe than it first seemed.

Rob Holding deputised for the Frenchman in the Gunners' games against Crystal Palace and Leeds United - and will likely continue to do so. Manager Mikel Arteta confirmed that Saliba would have to spend more time out.

“Saliba is progressing. He still has some discomfort in his back. We are trying to manage him in the best possible way. We are trying. He's trying to do everything to feel better and get back into training, but not yet."

Saliba picked up the injury due to suffering an awkward landing after jumping for a header. He was then replaced midway through the first half of the unfortunate European clash against the Portuguese team. The 22-year-old has played a pivotal role in Arsenal's surge to the Premier League summit and started every Premier League game this season before sustaining the injury. Arteta and his staff must resist the urge to get the young gun on the pitch.

"I'm very hopeful, and he is as well. Back injuries are a bit tricky with how they evolve and the load that you put in certain areas, but he's very positive about it. The medical staff are positive about it. Let's push it every day a little bit and see how he can cope with that, and how the pain develops as well. He's obviously so willing to be back with the team. I want to be positive and think that he is going to be able to manage it."

Arsenal are in a title race and are closely followed by second-placed Manchester City, who have 64 points plus a game in hand. The Gunners have been in impressive form this season, winning 22 of their 29 league matches so far.


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