When the idle Arsenal barely secured a draw, 1-1, star center-back William Saliba suffered a training injury. In his post match press conference, Mikel Arteta gave an early injury report. That gave a sigh of relief though a lot of defensive anxiety to the Gunners.
The Injury Blow: Training Setback Exposed
Saliba, a cornerstone of Arsenal’s impermeable backline, felt the injury during Monday’s session. This rules him out of the Stamford Bridge clash. The second Premier League game in over three years without either him or Gabriel Magalhães available. Arteta detailed the issue: “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.” The French international, who has started every league match this season, joins Gabriel (hamstring, out for weeks) on the treatment table, forcing Jakub Kiwior into an untested partnership with Ben White.
Arteta’s Update: Tests and Timeline
Delivering the verdict on December 1, Arteta remained non-committal on Saliba’s return ahead of Wednesday’s home clash with Brentford. “I don’t know. I think he’s got another test tomorrow. We’ll need to see the extent of that feeling, that sensation that he had,” the Spaniard explained, adding that clearer scans would follow. While downplaying severity—”not something major”—the boss admitted the absence creates a “headache,” especially after recent triumphs over Tottenham and Bayern Munich.
Implications for Arsenal’s Campaign
This twin attack foams off the plans of Arteta who leaves the Gunners on top of the table, yet weak in set-pieces, giving in a set against the Chelsea. The vigilance of Kiwior in the air is compensatory, but the ball-playing pose of Saliba could not be replaced. A prolonged absence could fuel January transfer whispers for a center-back. Yet, Arteta views it as growth: “A great learning match for all of us.” Fans hold breath for Tuesday’s verdict—Brentford awaits, and Arsenal’s unbeaten run hangs in the balance.
As featured on GoonerNews.com
