William Saliba missed Arsenal's Chelsea draw with a knock as former Gunner Mikael Silvestre highlights defender's crucial role
Former Arsenal defender Mikael Silvestre believes William Saliba's influence could prove decisive in the Gunners' Premier League title challenge. The north London club were left sweating after their star centre-back sat out the draw with Chelsea due to an injury concern.
The France international has cemented his reputation as one of the division's finest defenders, forming a formidable partnership alongside Gabriel at the heart of Arsenal's backline. Saliba's impressive performances have sparked transfer speculation linking him with a potential switch to Real Madrid, as the Spanish giants consider reinforcing their defensive options.
His absence was keenly felt during Sunday's clash with Chelsea, as Arsenal failed to make the most of their man advantage.
Despite Chelsea playing with ten men for almost an hour following Moises Caicedo's dismissal for a challenge on Mikel Merino, the Gunners couldn't find a winner.
Silvestre, who turned out 46 times for Arsenal during his playing days, has heaped praise on his compatriot, insisting the defender's presence will be crucial in determining the outcome of the title race.
Speaking exclusively to football.london, he said: "He's been in the Team of the Year two times in a row so it's no surprise to see he's the best centre-back, with Gabriel, in the Premier League.
"You want him on the pitch, for sure, for Arsenal to win the title. He's becoming a leader in the team, he's still young but because he started early at Arsenal, he's much stronger and much ready for the Premier League.
"His influence in the backline is growing, the club level is good for the French national team."
The central defender played a key role in their crucial 3-1 victory over Bayern Munich in the Champions League, but Saliba was a surprising and notable absence from the Arsenal starting XI at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. On-loan Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie stepped in alongside Cristhian Mosquera as defensive concerns continue to pile up for Mikel Arteta.
Arteta has already been dealt a setback with Gabriel picking up an injury while on international duty with Brazil. The Gunners boss revealed that Saliba will have additional tests after experiencing discomfort ahead of Sunday's top-of-the-table encounter.
He said: "Yesterday in training he was uncomfortable, so we need to explore a little bit more what happened.
"I don't think it's something major, but enough not to be involved in the game."