Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has admitted he is very worried about his hamstring damage center back William Saliba suffered.
Saliba missed Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Aston Villa with what Arteta initially described as a “minor” issue, but the boss admitted after the final whistle that he was virtually unaware of the extent of the defender’s condition.
“I think tomorrow we will have more information, we will do another test on him and we will be clearer on that,” Arteta admitted.
Asked if he was worried about seeing Saliba join Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus on the treatment table, Arteta added: “Yes, definitely, especially with the numbers we have in the squad and looking at our bench – very concerned. “
Defense is a particular area of concern for Arteta, who was also without Riccardo Calafiori, Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu for the visit of Villa. Thomas Partey, a midfielder by trade, had to drop to right-back to make up the numbers.
Although there are few problems in the midfield, Arsenal they also struggle in attack. Saka and Jesus are long-term absentees, while Ethan Nwaneri is currently unavailable, leaving Arteta was forced to concede a new striker should be signed before the end of the January transfer window.
READ THE LATEST ARSENAL NEWS, TRANSFER RUMORS & GOSSIP
2025-01-19 12:45:00
