Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has a massive problem on his shoulders with plenty of players heading to the injury room right before a crucial phase in the season. This could be the one where they finally end up winning the Premeir League according to many fans and unfortunately for them, Manchester City have narrowed down the gap and the pressure is surmounting on them.

This is perhaps a time Arsenal would love to have one of their star defenders back in the side, but Mikel Arteta has given some not so satisfying update on William Saliba’s injury. He sais that he does not know if Saliba will be fit to play for Arsenal before the end of the season ahead of their weekend clash against Southampton at home. 

The 22-year-old centre-back has missed four games since he picked up an injury in the Gunners’ penalty shootout defeat in the Europa League to Sporting Lisbon in March. “With William we have to wait a little bit more,” the Arsenal manager said. “He is not progressing as quickly as we had hoped. It is a bit delicate.”

“We want to be very certain when we push him that he is ready to absorb the load and with the risk we would take at the moment that is not possible to do. I don’t know, it’s a bit early to do [predictions]. Probably next week we are going to have more certainty. There is some evolution, he is doing more activity, but he is not there yet to start to throw him on the pitch at the level that the sessions demand to compete in this league.”

For Arsenal, in the absence of Saliba, Rob Holding has done a fine job so far. However, there have been multiple major lapses in concentration from their end which directly has led to their downfall recently. Against Liverpool at Anfield, they let go of a 2-0 lead and eventually ended up dropping crucial points. They did the same against West Ham, dropping a 2-0 lead to take a point. 

After the following fixture against Southampton, Arsenal face Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium. This is the clash that gets really intense for the side, who had previously lost the home tie against City 3-1. If they lose this fixture, City will surpass Arsenal and take the top spot for the first time this season. If you are interested in Football betting don’t forget to visit Nextbet.