Mikel Arteta, the manager of Arsenal, recently revealed that central defender William Saliba has not yet participated in any training with the first team. Saliba has been out since suffering a back injury in the second leg of the Gunners’ UEFA Europa League quarterfinal on March 16. After just 21 minutes of playing time, the Frenchman had to leave the field and has not returned.
At first, it seemed like he would be able to rejoin the group shortly. Saliba has been out for about two months, during which time Arsenal’s defence has looked more vulnerable. According to Arteta’s latest remarks, they may have to go without him for a little longer.
The reporter then asked Arteta whether the central defender may be done for the year. His answer was vague and lacked conviction. Finally, Saliba’s arduous road to recuperation prompted a question to Arsenal’s manager.
Mikel Arteta provides an injury update on William Saliba ahead of the Newcastle United vs Arsenal game
Arteta said: “Not a lot of progress. He’s feeling better every day but he’s not been able still to have any activity around the first team so we don’t expect him to be with us. We are not there yet today, because we’re always hopeful and players are pushing to play. If that’s the case at some stage we’ll announce it. But hopefully, that’s not the case.It’s about the healing process. Pain-wise and the things he can do now off the pitch he’s in a good place. But we have to build that capacity to have the right impact, the right load and to be in good condition to play for the team.”
On Sunday, May 7, the Gunners will travel to St. James’ Park to take on Newcastle. They currently sit in third place in the Premier League. Based on what Arteta said, this will be their seventh game in a row without Saliba.
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What happened to the Gunners?
It’s shocking to compare Arsenal’s performance with and without William Saliba. In addition to the team’s obvious defensive problems, his absence has also left their midfield vulnerable to counterattacks. Saliba started all 27 of their Premier League games to start the season. The Gunners have a 62-28 goals scored-and goals conceded record and 10 clean sheets in those matches. While they have still managed to score 19 goals in the seven games he has missed, they have also conceded a worrying 14 goals while keeping none.
Their outcomes have also been affected because of this. Arsenal, who had won 21 of Saliba’s 27 league games and tied once, had drew three times and lost once in their previous seven outings. Because of this, they are no longer in first place in the league. Manchester City is now one point ahead with a game in hand.
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