William Saliba missed Arsenal’s Premier League clash against Aston Villa on Saturday after suffering a hamstring injury. This development adds to Mikel Arteta’s growing list of absentees, with several first-team players already sidelined.
Fortunately for Arsenal fans, the club has labeled the 23-year-old defender’s injury as “minor” and remains optimistic about his return in the coming weeks. Saliba, who has featured in 30 games for club and country this season, has formed a formidable defensive duo with Gabriel Magalhães.
However, Saturday’s game marked only the second Premier League match Saliba has missed this season.
His injury appears to have stemmed from a hamstring tweak during the final moments of Arsenal’s midweek win over Tottenham.
The French international was notably absent from Friday’s training session photos, with Arsenal opting for caution to avoid aggravating his condition.
“He felt something muscular before the match,” Arteta revealed in his pre-match interview. “It doesn’t seem serious, but he wasn’t in good enough shape to train or play. We’ll need to assess further.”
In Saliba’s absence, Jurrien Timber has been tasked with filling in at center-back, while Thomas Partey continues to deputize at right-back due to Riccardo Calafiori’s unavailability.
Mikel Merino returns to central midfield, and Gabriel Martinelli reclaims his starting role from Raheem Sterling, who takes a spot on the bench.
Arsenal will hope their reshuffled lineup can maintain momentum as they navigate this latest hurdle in their Premier League campaign.