An update on the wellbeing of Arsenal star William Saliba has come to the fore late on Thursday evening.
And the news will come as a major blow to all associated with the club.
Stopper Saliba, of course, set pulses racing across the Arsenal fanbase ahead of the international break.
This came upon the French international, now one of the first names on the team sheet of head coach Mikel Arteta, being forced into an early departure from the club’s Europa League 2nd-leg meeting with Portuguese giants Sporting CP.
En route to an eventual exit from the competition by way of a penalty shootout, Saliba lasted just 20 minutes, before limping off with a back problem.
William Saliba during the Premier League match between Arsenal and West Ham United at Emirates Stadium, London, United Kingdom, 26th December 2022
(Photo by Richard Washbrooke/News Images) (Alamy Stock Photo)
All associated with the Gunners, in turn, had since awaited a more definitive update on the fitness of their side’s defensive standout with bated breath.
As per the reliable Kaya Kaynak of football.london, Saliba has been ruled out of Arsenal’s upcoming Premier League meeting with Leeds United on Saturday afternoon.
Rob Holding is expected to retain his spot alongside Gabriel Magalhaes in the absence of the 22-year-old.
Concerningly, it is also added that, ‘it is currently unclear when Saliba will return to the squad.’.
William Saliba set to miss Leeds clash with back injury. Unclear when exactly his return to the squad will be atm.
Full story 👇https://t.co/TCselAC2hC
— Kaya Kaynak (@kayakaynak97) March 30, 2023
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