Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta delivers injury update on William Saliba and Eddie Nketiah

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta disclosed that William Saliba is still out with a back injury he suffered four weeks ago. He announced that striker Eddie Nketiah is fit.

The 22-year-old defender sustained the injury during Arsenal’s Europa League clash with Sporting CP, which they lost.

Arsenal also lost two defenders to injuries as Saliba and Takehiro Tomiyasu had to go off.

Tomiyasu is out of action until next season, but Saliba’s situation has not been clear, with the club delivering week-by-week updates on his situation through the manager.

Today, Arteta said the former Saint-Etienne man is progressing. Although, he has not returned to training.

At a press conference ahead of their Premier League clash with West Ham United, Arteta said (via Arsenal’s website): “William is still unavailable.

“He is progressing well, and we are hopeful we will have him available in the next few weeks, but we will have to see. 

“He is not far from starting to do that [return to training]. Obviously, we need to be cautious because of the injury, but he is evolving well.”

Also, Arteta confirmed that Eddie Nketiah is back and fit after missing a chunk of action through an ankle injury.

The Gunners are fighting for their first Premier League title in 19 years and top the table. They lead Manchester City with six points, but Pep Guardiola’s side has played one less game.

Arsenal know they must keep winning to keep their top spot and any slip-up now is dangerous. They will hope for the best when they face City at the Etihad in 12 days.

Before that, they have a London derby against West Ham to negotiate on Sunday.

Arteta praised West Ham boss David Moyes ahead of the game. He declared his admiration for his former coach at Everton, saying what he feels for Moyes is more than just respect.

The Hammers are three points above the relegation zone and desperately fighting to keep themselves up. It will be a tough game at the London Stadium.