Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta has, on Friday, provided an update on the wellbeing of star defender William Saliba.
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 boss 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.
(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.
And now, as alluded to above, as much has been forthcoming.
And Arsenal’s boss went on to admit that, though he is ‘progressing’, the 22-year-old will not be available for selection this weekend.
When pressed on reports that Saliba could spend the remainder of the term on the sidelines, though, Arteta appeared optimistic that this will not prove to be the case:
Arteta on Saliba: “He is progressing, unfortunately he still has some discomfort. He is not going to be fit for this game.”
He adds that he is ‘very hopeful’ Saliba will play again this season.
— Charles Watts (@charles_watts) March 31, 2023
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