These four players just became crucial to Arsenal after William Saliba's injury

Arsenal confirmed last week that William Saliba would be unavailable for an extended period as he goes through rehabilitation after suffering a back injury during the World Cup.

While he does not require surgery, the Frenchman will be out of action for a lengthy period and his expected absence leaves the right side of the Gunners' defence significantly weakened for the foreseeable future.

Mikel Arteta's side are reported to be exploring potential defensive options in the transfer market with John Stones an option, but if they decide against delving into business, there are four players who are now crucial to Arsenal following Saliba's injury.

Four Arsenal players who are crucial after William Saliba's injury

1. Ben White

Prior to William Saliba's return to Arsenal and the shift in the defensive lineup, Ben White was Arteta's first-choice option on the right side of the centre back pairing.

Having been kept out of the team over the past two seasons due to Jurrien Timber's outstanding form and his own fitness inconsistencies, the defender has just became crucial to his side once again.

There had been reports of White potentially leaving the Gunners this summer, but with Saliba now unavailable, a departure is highly unlikely for the former Brighton man.

2. Cristhian Mosquera

Signed last summer as defensive backup, Cristhian Mosquera's longest spell in the Arsenal side could be right in front of him following Saliba's injury.

He filled in for the Frenchman at times throughout last season and he could be set to do it again over the opening months of the 2026/27 campaign.

Mosquera showed his promise as a solid young defender during his previous spells in the team and he will have further chances to do so as he likely plays a crucial part as the season begins.

3. Christian Nørgaard

A slightly more obscure one, but Saliba's injury could see Christian Nørgaard continue his time at Arsenal despite being heavily linked with a departure this transfer window.

The former Denmark international struggled for minutes last season, but did fill in at centre back at times when he did play, and he could be used in that capacity once again.

With White and Mosquera likely to be the primary options in defence, Arteta may turn to Nørgaard to shift to the backline for cup games heading towards the Christmas period.

4. Marli Salmon

If Nørgaard does end up leaving the club this summer, his departure could open up a pathway for Marli Salmon to play a more important role in Arteta's setup.

The 16-year-old centre back made four first team appearances last summer and proved himself as a good defensive prospect making his way out of Hale End.

Salmon could have the opportunity to effectively operate as a third-choice right centre back behind White and Mosquera and could be used by Arteta in low-stakes games such as the early rounds of the Carabao Cup and against weaker opposition in the Champions League league phase.

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