“Unfortunately…” - Arteta provides "tricky" Saliba injury update as four Arsenal stars ruled out of Liverpool clash

Mikel Arteta provided an update on the fitness of William Saliba ahead of Arsenal’s crucial Premier League clash with Liverpool.

The Gunners travel to Anfield at the weekend hoping to retain their eight points lead over nearest challengers Manchester City at the Premier League summit.

It’s a key date in the title race and arguably one of the biggest tests of Arsenal’s title credentials. Indeed, the north London side have not won at Anfield in 11 games - a run stretching back to 2012.

According to Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville should Mikel Arteta’s side overcome Liverpool on Sunday they would finally become favourites for the title.

Ahead of the Premier League clash Arteta issued an update regarding the fitness of Saliba.

Arteta on Saliba fitness

Arsenal will have to make do without star centre-back Saliba for Sunday’s clash.

The France international has been absent from the past two league games after sustaining an injury against Sporting in the Europa League.

On Saliba’s fitness, Arteta said, via Football.London: "He is progressing, unfortunately, he still has some discomfort in his back.

“He’s not gonna be fit for this game and we’re trying to do everything to feel better, but not yet.”

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On whether the 22-year-old would feature again this season the Arsenal boss added: "Yeah, I am very hopeful and he is as well.

"Back injuries are a bit tricky and how they evolve with the load that you put in certain areas. Let's push it and see how he copes with that. He's so willing to be back in the team."

Ben White is expected to return for the crunch match while Bukayo Saka should also return, having been too ill to start the club’s game against Leeds United last weekend.

However, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Mohamed Elneny are both out with long-term issues and are not expected to be seen before the end of the season while Arsenal are likely to still be without Eddie Nketiah.

Topics: Football, Liverpool, Arsenal, Jurgen Klopp, Mikel Arteta, William Saliba

Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.