Arsenal have confirmed that defender William Saliba will miss Wednesday’s Premier League match against Manchester City due to a back injury.
The French defender has been sidelined since March with a back problem during their Europa League clash with Sporting CP.
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The England international is currently on loan at Southampton. The club did have the option to buy him at the end of this season but with the Gunners deciding to let him leave, the clause is void.
Saliba's injury is too bad for him to risk playing in Wednesday's crucial match, despite initial optimism. However, there were worries from the medical staff that Saliba will be sidelined for the remainder of the season.
Saliba’s situation not progressing
Saliba’s injury has become worrisome for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta who has given an update on the recent development of his injury.
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Speaking before the game against Southampton, Arteta said, "He’s not progressing as quickly as we hoped and it is a bit delicate so we want to be certain when we push him.
“He’s ready to absorb the load and the risk that we’ll take, and that’s not possible at the moment.”
When asked if the Frenchman would be available again this season, he said, "I don’t know, it’s a bit early to know. Probably next week we’ll have more certainty."
Saliba’s injury might be out of the season
According to The Athletic, the 22-year-old is set to miss the trip to the Etihad against City and could also miss the game against Chelsea at the Emirate.
Saliba who has been struggling to get back to full fitness after sustaining a back injury may not feature in Arsenal’s remaining games this season which means he could be out for the remainder of the season.
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It is already confirmed that the Frenchman will not feature against City and Chelsea but the medical staff have not confirmed if his season is over.
Arteta's side leads Manchester City by five points at the top of the Premier League table, but City has two games in hand before Wednesday's showdown match that many believe will determine the league winner.