Arsenal defender William Saliba faces a two-week injury layoff due to a hamstring strain, leaving him in doubt for the crucial Premier League clash against Manchester City on February 2.
The French centre-back missed Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Aston Villa, with manager Mikel Arteta reportedly ‘very worried’ about the situation.
According to L’Equipe, Saliba will undergo a medical assessment on Sunday to determine the full extent of his injury.
The defender now faces a race against time to be fit for the vital showdown with Pep Guardiola’s champions at the Emirates in 14 days’ time.
William Saliba could miss Arsenal’s match against City
Reuters
Saliba is set to miss Arsenal’s upcoming Champions League fixtures against both Dinamo Zagreb and Girona.
The defender will also be unavailable for the Gunners’ Premier League away match at Wolves this weekend.
The timing of Saliba’s injury is particularly concerning as it coincides with a demanding fixture schedule for Arsenal.
The absence of Saliba represents a significant setback for Arsenal’s Premier League title ambitions, given his crucial role in the heart of their defence.
The injury comes as a major blow for the north London side, who are seeking their first Premier League title in 21 years.
The timing is particularly challenging as Manchester City appear to be finding their rhythm, demonstrated by their emphatic 6-0 victory over Ipswich Town on Sunday.
This result has moved the defending champions to within six points of Arsenal in the Premier League table.
Former Chelsea goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer believes Manchester City cannot be written off in the title race despite their earlier struggles this season.
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William Saliba would be a huge miss for Arsenal
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“The initial goal is to try and get up to that second spot,” Schwarzer told the BBC. “That’s certainly within touching distance.”
“I don’t think you can rule Man City out, certainly to finish in the top two.
“I think the title may be out of reach but saying that, there’s still enough football to be played.”
Schwarzer added that City’s upcoming clash with Liverpool could prove pivotal, noting: “Man City and Liverpool still have to play, so that could go in the favour of Man City.”
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