Arsenal take on Mansfield Town on Saturday afternoon in the third round of the FA Cup but the Gunners are once again set to be without star defender William Saliba
William Saliba’s ankle injury looks likely to keep him out of Arsenal’s FA Cup clash with Mansfield Town. The Gunners travel to the League One side on Saturday afternoon in the fifth round of the competition.
Mikel Arteta is expected to make a number of changes to his starting XI for the game. One man who may not feature though is French defender Saliba.
The centre-back was ruled out of the win vs Brighton with an ankle issue and Arteta is pessimistic that he will appear over the weekend. Asked pre-match if his injury was the same as his previous one, Arteta replied: “No, it’s the other one.
“We thought the same straight after the game because he wasn’t comfortable to finish the game. After straightaway he didn’t have a good feeling so let’s see if he recovers quickly.”
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Asked if Saliba could be in contention, Arteta then added: “I doubt it.” The Frenchman has been key to Arsenal’s hopes of lifting silverware this season, having made 34 appearances in all competitions.
While he might be sidelined, one player who could be handed an opportunity is Max Dowman. The teenager has recently recovered from his own ankle issue and was handed a place on the bench vs Brighton.
Asked what he has learned from being injured, Arteta said: “A lot. First of all, you miss playing, that’s the first thing, so don’t take it for granted because it can be taken away from you when you don’t expect it, and for a long time as well.
“He had different routines, he starts to understand more the rehab coaches, the physio, the doctor, the importance of the scan, the discipline that you need to maintain yourself fit when you have an injury because if not, it’s going to take a long time to get back to your levels.
“But he’s done so well. He’s been looking really good in training and hopefully we can give him chances to play.”
Following their clash with Mansfield, Arsenal will then turn their attention back to the Champions League and their showdown with German giants Bayer Leverkusen in the last 16. The first-leg of that tie takes place in Germany on Wednesday evening.
Arteta’s side will then host Everton at the Emirates Stadium next Saturday as they continue their push for the Premier League title.
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