Arsenal defender William Saliba doubtful for Liverpool clash

Arsenal defender William Saliba is a doubt to face Liverpool at Anfield this weekend, according to the Evening Standard.

The 22-year-old has been out for three weeks after suffering a back injury as the Gunners crashed out of the Europa League against Sporting CP.

Saliba has missed games against Leeds United and Crystal Palace, but Arsenal have never provided a definite timeline for this return as they did with Takehiro Tomiyasu.

Both players suffered injuries in the same clash, and the Gunners subsequently announced that Tomiyasu would be out until the end of the season.

They have not been so transparent with Saliba’s injury.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said he was progressing when a reporter asked about the former Saint-Etienne defender,

He confirmed the player was still feeling discomfort in his back and said they are trying to manage him in the best possible way.

Saliba is not back in training and faces a race against time to feature against Liverpool.

Arteta will be disappointed as Saliba is a mainstay in the first team. After going on multiple loans to get game time, he is now an established starter.

Three years after signing for the club, Arteta is finally utilising Saliba’s talent. Saliba helped Arsenal keep 11 clean sheets in 27 league appearances while scoring two goals and recording an assist.

Saliba has won 61% of his duels in the league and will be a massive miss for Arteta heading into the final lap of their Premier League title chase.

However, Rob Holding has seamlessly slotted in beside Gabriel Magalhaes in defence. Arteta will likely continue with Holding against the Reds.