Arsenal willing to risk William Saliba for Premier League title run-in

PREMIER LEAGUE Arsenal willing to risk William Saliba for Premier League title run-in

Mark Kinyanjui 20:50 - 18.04.2023

The problem has required Saliba to be managed on a daily basis.

Arsenal are willing to risk returning William Saliba to action ahead of crunch Premier League fixtures in this season’s title race.

Saliba has not played for the Gunners since limping off holding his back during the 1-1 draw with Sporting Lisbon in the second leg of the UEFA Europa League Round of 16.

Manager Mikel Arteta had spoken about the possibility of Saliba returning to pitch work as part of his rehabilitation to help him get back as soon as possible.

However, the complexities connected to the problem that has kept the France international out of the team’s previous four matches means the Gunners medics are taking a cautious approach to his recovery.

The problem has required him to be managed on a daily basis, reminiscent of the achilles injury former Arsenal defender Laurent Koscielny went through that needed daily management.

The nature of the injury means accelerating the recovery process could create a more substantial issue in the future.

Saliba is said to be determined to prove his fitness, particularly for the potential title decider at the Etihad Stadium, despite the consequences of a flare-up.

There is an acknowledgment within the Arsenal camp that the clash at City could ultimately decide the destination of the Premier League title and having Saliba available would prove a major boost.

Rob Holding has struggled to replicate the level of composure on and off the ball that William Saliba brings to the side since filling him for him just over four weeks ago.