Arteta offers Saliba injury update after ruling out Arsenal star

Mikel Arteta has said William Saliba's recovery from a hamstring injury is "evolving" but Arsenal's rock at the back remains out of action for Wednesday night's UEFA Champions League tie against Dinamo Zagreb at the Emirates.

The Gunners will be almost assured of a top eight finish if they can beat the Croatian side at home, though they could still require a point away to Girona next week depending on results elsewhere.

But France centre back Saliba remains on the sidelines for the midweek game and probably the weekend Premier League encounter away to relegation threatened Wolves.

Arteta, however, has confirmed that the Arsenal squad will be boosted by the return of Riccardo Calafiori and youngster Ethan Nwaneri from injuries.

Defender Calafiori could even start at centre back if fit enough with Arteta believing he could be a long-term presence there despite mostly playing at left back since arriving last summer.

Asked to provide a fitness update in his pre-match press conference on Tuesday afternoon, Arteta said: “Calafiori and Nwaneri are back, very positive news. They will be available for the game.

“Saliba, he is evolving really well. The last few days he was feeling much better already but this game comes a little bit too early for him."

But Arteta also hinted that Saliba, who felt discomfort late in last week's north London derby win at home to Tottenham, will be able to return in time for the crunch Premier League clash against Manchester City in 10 days' time.

Arsenal enter the seventh round of Champions League league phase fixtures sitting third place in the table but they will fall down the pecking order after Tuesday night's fixtures.

"So far we have done really well.," Arteta added. "We are in a strong position and now it's time to capitalise at home. The work that we have done for many months, we need a strong performance against a really good side and we'll try to do that."