ARSENAL’S title hopes have suffered a major blow with fears star centre-back William Saliba may not play again this season.
The Prem leaders hoped the France defender would recover from a back injury in time for next Wednesday’s showdown at Manchester City.
William Saliba could miss the rest of the season
But Gunners boss Mikel Arteta admitted: “He is not progressing as quick as we hoped — it’s a bit delicate.
“There is some improvement but he is not at the level needed to throw him onto the pitch to compete in this league.”
Asked if the injury could sideline Saliba until next season, Arteta added: “I don’t know. Probably next week we are going to have more certainty.”
Saliba, 22, has been a defensive rock alongside Gabriel as Arsenal chase a first title since 2004.
He started every Prem game before being forced off during last month’s Europa League shootout defeat to Sporting Lisbon.
But he has missed the last four matches, including the 2-2 draws at Liverpool and West Ham when the Gunners blew a two-goal lead in both.
Arteta added: “We want to be very certain when we push him that he is ready to absorb the load and the risk we will take — and at the moment it’s not possible to do that.”
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The manager has also told Bukayo Saka to carry on taking penalties following his miss against the Hammers.
Police are investigating a racially aggravated tweet aimed at Saka, who was also racially abused after missing a spot-kick in England’s Euro 2020 final shootout defeat to Italy.
Arteta said: “Experiences help and what he went through at Euro 2020 was tough. But if he had any doubt about how much people love, respect and admire him at the club, he had a very overwhelming reaction from everyone.
“It can be something very positive that can give him a big lift — and he deserves it.”
Bukayo Saka missed a penalty against West Ham
Asked if Saka will take the next penalty, the Spaniard replied: “Yes. If not, I will go on the pitch and throw him the ball!”
Arteta insists his players are fired up to get their title challenge back on track.
Ahead of the home clash with bottom-club Southampton, Arteta said: “I’ve sensed a real determination to do better and demand more of each other.
“I’ve had to stop them in training because they’ve wanted it so much and we need to leave something for Southampton. That’s when we have to show it.”
