Arsenal team-news 'leak' as Arteta dealt Saliba blow ahead of Liverpool clash

William Saliba was "not spotted" on Arsenal's pre-match walk ahead of the club's Liverpool encounter, a journalist has claimed.

The France international, who has been a crucial part of the Gunners' success this term, has missed their last two games of the Premier League title race run-in.

Since picking up a back injury against Sporting Lisbon in the Europa League, Saliba has missed the Gunners' wins against Crystal Palace and Leeds, with Rob Holding having deputised in his place.

While there is currently no set date for Saliba to return to the fold, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta hinted at a possible return earlier this week.

The 22-year-old has been undergoing further assessment to determine the severity of his back injury, having rested over the international break.

And in his Friday press conference Arteta appeared to hint at a possible return to action for the Frenchman.

When asked about his injured players and specifically Saliba, the Gunners boss said: “No, no real changes with the rest of the players that were still injured.

“We have some hope with one of them who will maybe be able to train but we’ll see.”

Saliba not spotted on pre-match walk

While Arteta may have raised the hopes of many an Arsenal fan, a journalist has claimed the Frenchman was not spotted on the club's pre-match walk.

His reported absence suggests he will not play a part in the club's crucial Premier League clash against Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday afternoon.

Sport reporter Freddie Paxton, who has written for The Guardian among other publications, tweeted: "William Saliba was not spotted with the team on their pre-match walk in Liverpool this morning."

In a follow up tweet Paxton added: "18-year-old Reuell Walters has travelled with the squad, after being pictured in 1st team training this week."

Arsenal head into the game, having not claimed a victory at Anfield in their last 11 attempts - a run that stretches back to 2012. However, should they win, Arteta's men would reclaim their eight-point lead at the Premier League summit, and add further momentum to their title charge.

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

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.