Concerns Over Saliba's Injury Heighten After Arsenal's Draw with Aston Villa
Arsenal's defensive worries deepen as William Saliba misses match due to injury, in a game where Aston Villa came from behind to secure a draw.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed significant concern over the fitness of key defender William Saliba, following a 2-2 draw against Aston Villa in the English Premier League.
Saliba was absent from the squad due to a hamstring injury sustained during Arsenal's 2-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur earlier in the week.
The French defender's importance to Arsenal's back line was evident last season when a back injury compromised his participation in the latter half of the campaign.
This absence coincided with Arsenal's struggle to maintain pace with Manchester City in the title race.
Arteta addressed the media post-match, stating, 'I think we'll have more information tomorrow.
We'll conduct further tests and be clearer on his condition.' He added, 'We are definitely concerned, especially given the current squad depth and options on the bench.
We are very worried.'
In Saliba's absence, Arteta made adjustments to Arsenal's defense, deploying Jurrien Timber alongside Gabriel in central defense, while midfielder Thomas Partey filled in at right-back.
Arsenal initially took the lead with goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz, but Aston Villa responded tenaciously.
Striker Ollie Watkins equalized, following an earlier goal by Youri Tielemans.
While Arteta praised his team's overall performance, he criticized the defensive lapse that led to Villa's second goal.
Matty Cash's delivery into the box was expertly converted by Watkins, a moment Arteta suggested should be avoided in teams aiming for top-tier success.
Arteta is hopeful that Saliba's injury is not severe, recognizing the defender's critical role within the team.
Statistical data demonstrates that Arsenal's win rate stands at 72% with Saliba in the lineup, in contrast to 38% without him since his joining.
The draw sees Arsenal in second place, trailing league leaders Liverpool by six points, although Liverpool has played one game fewer.
Arteta commented on the performance, questioning how many teams can compete at Arsenal's level despite perceived bench shortages.
Saliba was absent from the squad due to a hamstring injury sustained during Arsenal's 2-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur earlier in the week.
The French defender's importance to Arsenal's back line was evident last season when a back injury compromised his participation in the latter half of the campaign.
This absence coincided with Arsenal's struggle to maintain pace with Manchester City in the title race.
Arteta addressed the media post-match, stating, 'I think we'll have more information tomorrow.
We'll conduct further tests and be clearer on his condition.' He added, 'We are definitely concerned, especially given the current squad depth and options on the bench.
We are very worried.'
In Saliba's absence, Arteta made adjustments to Arsenal's defense, deploying Jurrien Timber alongside Gabriel in central defense, while midfielder Thomas Partey filled in at right-back.
Arsenal initially took the lead with goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz, but Aston Villa responded tenaciously.
Striker Ollie Watkins equalized, following an earlier goal by Youri Tielemans.
While Arteta praised his team's overall performance, he criticized the defensive lapse that led to Villa's second goal.
Matty Cash's delivery into the box was expertly converted by Watkins, a moment Arteta suggested should be avoided in teams aiming for top-tier success.
Arteta is hopeful that Saliba's injury is not severe, recognizing the defender's critical role within the team.
Statistical data demonstrates that Arsenal's win rate stands at 72% with Saliba in the lineup, in contrast to 38% without him since his joining.
The draw sees Arsenal in second place, trailing league leaders Liverpool by six points, although Liverpool has played one game fewer.
Arteta commented on the performance, questioning how many teams can compete at Arsenal's level despite perceived bench shortages.
