Arsenal injury news: William Saliba sustained an injury during last week's Europa League disappointment against Sporting CP, and missed the Premier League fixture against Crystal Palace
Arsenal defender William Saliba picked up an injury during last week's Europa League disappointment against Sporting CP.
The Gunners were knocked out of the competition on penalties following a 1-1 draw in the second-leg, but the injury to Saliba may be the biggest disappointment of the night for fans considering the north London outfit are vying to win their first Premier League title in 19 years this season. The French international was substituted off in the first half against Sporting, appearing to be holding his lower back as he trudged off the field.
With that being said, football.london has rounded up all the information we have on the 21-year-old's injury as we enter a two-week hiatus for club football due to the international break.
France decision
Les Blues play the Netherlands and the Republic of Ireland over the next fortnight but Saliba will have to watch from home as he awaits further details on the severity of his back issue.
Arteta admission
Saliba wasn't the only Arsenal defender to get injured against Sporting. In fact, right-back Takehiro Tomiyasu also sustained a problem and the Japanese international's injury certainly appears more serious if manager Mikel Arteta is to be believed.
"We don’t know [how bad Tomiyasu's injury is]", Arteta said after Sunday's victory over Crystal Palace. "The doctor is assessing. We have one assessment and I think they need to have another assessment tomorrow.
"It’s not looking good. Tomi is not one to exaggerate things. He was really concerned straight away and we are concerned."
Asked if there is a bit more hope around Saliba, Arteta replied by saying: "We hope Willy is going to be better news. Again we have to wait to tomorrow (Monday) to get a better picture."
Weeks claim
According to French outlet L’Equipe, Saliba could be sidelined for 'several weeks' in what would be a huge blow to Arsenal's title pursuit.
The Gunners next play on April 1 when they welcome Leeds United to the Emirates Stadium before travelling to Anfield a week later to take on Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool on April 9.
Palace miss
Rob Holding took the young defender's place in Mikel Arteta's starting XI as the north Londoners secured a 4-1 win over the Eagles thanks to goals from Gabriel Martinelli, Granit Xhaka and a Bukayo Saka brace.