Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta, has confirmed Willian Saliba and Oleksandr Zinchenko injury update.
Reports emerged earlier this week that William Saliba and Oleksandr Zinchenko were ruled out for the rest of the season due to injury.
The two defenders, who have been at the heart of Arsenal’s brilliant Premier League run, were reportedly set to miss Arsenal’s last games in the Premier League.
William Saliba and Oleksandr Zinchenko injury was a huge injury blow to Arsenal as the Premier League title race climaxes.
The Gunners have only three matches left to challenge Premier League leaders, Manchester City, who are leading by one point and with one outstanding match.
Daily Mail reported Mikel Arteta will miss the defensive duo in the last remaining three matches in what could be a heavy blow to the team’s battle for the Premier League title.
Oleksandr Zinchenko picked a calf injury in Arsenal’s 2-0 Premier League win over Newcastle and it was reported he may recover early to join the team for the three remaining matches as his injury did not require surgery.
Out-of-favor Gunners defender, Kieran Tierney, was expected to come in for Oleksandr Zinchenko as Arsenal braces for their game against Brighton.
Meanwhile, William Saliba has been missing from Arsenal lineup since March when he picked up a back injury in Arsenal’s defeat to Sporting CP in the Europa League.
Saliba suffered a structural damage to his back in the game and there were projections he may not play again this season.
Sources close to Arsenal reveal William Saliba was willing to play again despite his injury but Arsenal refused to allow him back to the squad so as not to compound the injury situation.
Meanwhile, Arsenal took that long to take a decision on William Saliba’s injury due to the tight nature of the Premier League title race. It was hoped the French footballer will recover soon and join the squad.
Amidst uncertainties over the fitness of Saliba, reports emerged he and his co-defender, Oleksandr Zinchenko, will be ruled out for the rest of the season.
Mikel Arteta confirms update on William Saliba and Oleksandr Zinchenko’s injury
Contrary to reports that Saliba and Zinchenko are out for the rest of the season, Mikel Arteta has stated there is no confirmation of the duration of both players’ spell on the sidelines.
He, however, confirmed William Saliba remains a doubt for the Brighton game, including Arsenal next match after the Brighton game.
“With William it’s for sure he’s not going to be fit for this game and we’re doubting him for next game,” Arteta said on Sky Sports.
When asked if Zinchenko is ruled out of the season, Mikel Arteta replied “no.”
As things stand, both players remain a doubt for Arsenal’s game against Brighton but they have not been ruled out of the season.
Who is injured at Arsenal?
Tomiyasu, Mohamed Elneny, Oleksandr Zinchenko, and William Saliba are in Arsenal’s injury list this season. Their injury situations are currently under assessment.
Has William Saliba played for Arsenal?
William Saliba has started 27 of Arsenal’s 35 Premier League fixtures this season before being sidelined due to a back injury he picked up in the Europa League.
Which club is William Saliba?
William Saliba is playing for Premier League club Arsenal. He has been an integral part of Mikel Arteta’s squad this season.
