Mikel Arteta provides important William Saliba injury update

Mikel Arteta has given us an update on the status of star young defender William Saliba ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League clash with Leeds on Saturday afternoon.

Saliba has played a critical role in the Gunners’ stellar season thus far after he finally returned to the club following several years out on loan. Arteta’s decision to be patient with the defender has quickly been vindicated, and the club are now hopeful of securing his services for the long haul.

The Frenchman had started every single of Arsenal’s Premier League outings this term before he picked up a back injury which ruled him out of the 4-1 victory over Crystal Palace. Saliba’s back problem is a cause of concern for the Gunners, and there were reports that he could miss the rest of the season as a result.

However, Arteta is “very hopeful” that won’t be the case.

Mikel Arteta provides important William Saliba injury update

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When asked if Saliba will play again this season, Arteta said: “Yeah I am very hopeful and he is as well. Back injuries are a bit tricky and how they evolve with the load that you put in certain areas. Let’s push it and see how he copes with that. He’s so willing to be back in the team.”

The Spaniard dismissed reports of the former St. Etienne defender undergoing surgery, but he’s unsure as to when Saliba will return to action.

“Hopefully we get the right load for him, the right amount of rest that he needs while we’re keeping him active, and the pain starts to go away and we are more comfortable with the images we have of him that we can start to take him to the pitch and do certain activities with him. That’s it,” Arteta added.

Saliba will miss Saturday’s game which means Rob Holding will start his second consecutive Premier League contest. Arteta also confirmed that Thomas Partey will be available for Leeds’ visit, which is a big boost for the title-chasing Gunners.