Arsenal were dealt a sour blow simply as the brand new season accumulated momentum.
William Saliba sustained a sprained ankle throughout the pre-match warm-up at Anfield forward in their conflict with Liverpool, and remarkably started the sport, most effective to limp off not up to 5 mins in.
Reviews from L’Équipe point out the damage will sideline the French centre-back for 3 to 4 weeks, doubtlessly conserving him out till after the October global spoil.
This now not most effective regulations him out of France’s upcoming International Cup qualifiers in opposition to Azerbaijan and Iceland in early October but additionally a punishing agenda of 7 key fits for Arsenal around the Premier League, Champions League, and Carabao Cup.
William Saliba is about to leave out the most important video games for Arsenal
Those fixtures come with:
Nottingham Wooded area (house)Athletic Bilbao (away) within the Champions LeagueManchester Town on the EmiratesCarabao Cup third-round tie vs Port ValeNewcastle United awayOlympiacos (house) in EuropeWest Ham United at house
Saliba has been a defensive linchpin for each Arsenal and France, and his absence comes amid a troubling damage disaster that already contains Martin Ødegaard, Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, Christian Nørgaard, Ben White, and long-term absentee Gabriel Jesus.
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Gunners have intensity in defensive positionsWilliam Saliba of Arsenal reacts with an damage (Photograph by way of Alex Pantling/Getty Pictures)
Regardless of the setback, Arsenal have choices. Summer time signing Cristhian Mosquera, who changed Saliba in opposition to Liverpool, delivered a composed efficiency and is anticipated to characteristic closely in his absence.
Piero Hincapié, a Cut-off date Day arrival, and flexible Riccardo Calafiori, who can slot into central defence, additionally enhance the choices.
This early-season blow is doubtlessly one in every of Arsenal’s most vital since ultimate season. Alternatively, intensity and good squad rotation may assist Arteta take care of the setback.
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