Sophia
Arsenal has been dealt a significant blow with the news that star defender William Saliba could be sidelined for up to a month due to an ankle injury. The Frenchman, who was forced to withdraw from the national squad, faces a critical recovery period as the Gunners navigate a demanding fixture list.
Saliba’s Early Exit Against Liverpool
The injury occurred just five minutes into Arsenal’s narrow 1-0 defeat to Liverpool before the international break. Manager Mikel Arteta later confirmed that Saliba had twisted his ankle during the warm-up but heroically attempted to play through the pain. Despite his determination, the discomfort proved too much, leading to his early substitution.
Withdrawal from France Squad and Diagnosis
Initially included in the France squad for the recent international fixtures, Saliba quickly withdrew after consultation with the national team doctor. A formal statement from the French Football Federation confirmed a “sprained left ankle,” raising immediate concerns for Arsenal fans.
Recovery Timeline: Up to a Month Out
According to reports from L’Équipe, sources within the France camp suggest Saliba will likely be unavailable until after the upcoming October international break. This timeframe could see the crucial defender miss as much as four weeks of action, a significant period given Arsenal’s challenging schedule.
This news comes as a major setback for the Gunners, who rely heavily on Saliba’s defensive prowess and composure at the back. His absence will undoubtedly test the depth and resilience of Arteta’s squad.
Crucial Fixtures Ahead for Arsenal
The timing of Saliba’s injury couldn’t be worse, with Arsenal facing a gauntlet of tough matches across multiple competitions:
- Premier League: Upcoming clashes include a home tie against Nottingham Forest, followed by a blockbuster encounter with reigning champions Manchester City. Trips to Newcastle United and a home fixture against West Ham United also loom before the next international break.
- Champions League: The Gunners are set to kick off their Champions League group stage campaign without Saliba, with La Liga side Athletic Club as their first opponents, followed by a home clash with Greek giants Olympiacos.
- Carabao Cup: While Saliba was likely to be rested for the Carabao Cup third-round match against Port Vale, his overall absence will still impact squad rotation.
Who Steps Up in Saliba’s Absence?
With Saliba sidelined, Mikel Arteta will need to lean on his defensive depth. Cristhian Mosquera, who replaced Saliba against Liverpool, is a strong candidate to fill the void. However, Deadline Day signing Piero Hincapié from Bayer Leverkusen may now be at the top of the pecking order, offering a significant boost to the backline.
Riccardo Calafiori, who has impressed at left-back but is equally adept in a central defensive role, could also provide cover. Furthermore, the return of Myles Lewis-Skelly on the left flank offers additional flexibility, potentially freeing up other defenders to slot into central positions. Arsenal’s ability to navigate this challenging period without one of their key players will be a true test of their title aspirations.
