Title blow for Arsenal as Saliba and Zinchenko ruled out for final three Premier League matches

Arsenal have suffered a major title blow as William Saliba and Oleksandr Zinchenko have been ruled out for the rest of the season. 

The pair will miss the Gunners’ final three matches due to injuries but are not expected to require surgery, according to The Athletic.

Saliba has been a key member of Mikel Arteta’s team this season, starting all 27 league matches before sustaining a back issue in March against Sporting Lisbon in the Europa League. 

The France international has missed the last eight Premier League matches due to his injury. 

Arteta initially partnered Rob Holding with Gabriel Magalhaes, but his unconvincing displays prompted the Spaniard to replace him with Jakub Kiwior. 

The January signing has started the last two league matches against Chelsea and Newcastle United. 

Zinchenko was forced off with a calf injury during Arsenal’s 2-0 success at St James’ Park last weekend. 

The Ukrainian has been an important player this term, bagging three goals in 27 league appearances.

Missing two top players for their last three matches is a big blow to Arsenal’s slim title hopes. 

They will host Brighton & Hove Albion this weekend before travelling to the City Ground to play against Nottingham Forest. 

Mikel Arteta’s side face Wolverhampton Wanderers in their final match of the season. 

Even if they win all their remaining fixtures, Arsenal still need Manchester City to slip up twice, which looks highly unlikely.