William Saliba’s absence has been a significant blow for Arsenal, with the star center-back sidelined since mid-January following the north London derby victory. His hamstring injury has left Arsenal struggling to maintain their form, and fans are eagerly awaiting his return.
Saliba’s Injury Details
Saliba was a late omission from Arsenal’s squad for their 2-2 draw against Aston Villa, where the Gunners’ defensive vulnerabilities were exposed. Manager Mikel Arteta initially described the injury as “minor” but later admitted he was “very worried” about the 23-year-old’s condition.
The French international also missed Arsenal’s midweek Champions League victory over Dinamo Zagreb, raising concerns about his long-term availability.
Arteta’s Update on Saliba’s Recovery
Arteta has since provided a positive update on Saliba’s recovery. Speaking before Arsenal’s trip to Wolverhampton Wanderers, Arteta suggested Saliba could return for the crucial clash against Manchester City on February 2.
“With Willy, it’s the same. I think they’ll definitely be in for next week [against Man City], but this week, let’s see how it goes,” Arteta said.
While Arteta didn’t rule out Saliba featuring against Wolves or Girona in the Champions League, it appears unlikely that he will be risked in either match.
Impact of Saliba’s Absence
Saliba’s importance to Arsenal cannot be overstated. His absence was a key factor in Arsenal’s late-season collapse during the 2022/23 Premier League title race, and his leadership at the back has been sorely missed.
Arsenal’s defensive struggles were evident in the draw against Villa, where quickfire goals from Youri Tielemans and Ollie Watkins exposed the void left by Saliba.
Who Could Replace Saliba?
Arteta has experimented with different options in Saliba’s absence:
- Jurrien Timber: The right-back was deployed as a center-back against Villa and performed admirably in an unfamiliar role.
- Jakub Kiwior: The Polish defender started in Saliba’s place against Dinamo Zagreb and is likely to feature again against Wolves. Kiwior has been inconsistent but has shown flashes of potential in his limited appearances this season.
Return Timeline and Arsenal’s Next Steps
While initial fears suggested Saliba could face a lengthy layoff, Arteta’s recent comments indicate he is nearing a return. Arsenal supporters will be relieved by the prospect of having their defensive talisman back for the high-stakes clash against Manchester City.
In the meantime, Arsenal must rely on makeshift solutions to navigate their upcoming fixtures and maintain their position in the Premier League and Champions League.
Conclusion
William Saliba’s recovery is progressing well, with a potential return against Manchester City on February 2 providing a massive boost for Arsenal. Until then, Arteta will have to manage without his star defender and hope the team can stay competitive in his absence.
