Arsenal fans should take the latest injury reports concerning William Saliba with a pinch of salt, Gunners journalist Charles Watts has told Sports Mole.
The France international is rumoured to be facing between three and four weeks out due to the ankle sprain he suffered in the warm-up to Arsenal's 1-0 Premier League loss to Liverpooltwo Sundays ago, where he tried to carry on before calling it quits after just five minutes.
Saliba withdrew from the France squad due to his issue, and a four-week recovery timeline would see the 24-year-old miss a crucial run of fixtures against Nottingham Forest, Manchester City, Newcastle United and Athletic Bilbao in the Champions League.
However, Watts is "not absolutely convinced" that such claims are accurate and has not completely ruled out the prospect of Saliba coming back for the clash with Man City on September 21.
“It’s a big blow, obviously," Watts said. "You want William Saliba fit; he's one of the best centre backs in the world. On those reports from France; I haven't had anything confirmed yet, but from conversations I've had, I'm not absolutely confident that time frame is correct.
Watts "not absolutely convinced" by Saliba injury reports
Arsenal's William Saliba pictured on August 23, 2025
“It might be, but I’ve been steered away from following that time frame. That might be worse news. It might be longer. It might be shorter. I don't know, but let's wait and see what Mikel says. But I'm not absolutely convinced that that timescale will prove to be correct.
“But you want him fit. Manchester City is looming large; we know how much Saliba and Gabriel love playing against Erling Haaland, and how much Erling Haaland doesn't really like playing against those two. For him to not be around for a game of that magnitude would be a huge blow.
“Arsenal have built defensive strength in depth that allows them to deal with these sort of situations. Players are going to get injured, so it's all about what you've got in reserve. Mosquera came in at Anfield and was absolutely fantastic. He won't always be able to produce the type of performance he did at Anfield, but he's clearly a really talented player.
“Ben White, there’s hope he will be fit after the international break. There are a load of really top options there for Arsenal to cover for Saliba if he is out for any sort of significant period of time. But let's hope that's not the case. Maybe he misses Nottingham Forest, but let's see if he can get himself back for Manchester City.”
Saliba was not sorely missed for the remaining 85 minutes at Anfield thanks to the near-faultless performance of his replacement Cristhian Mosquera, who is expected to be first in line for starts while the former Saint-Etienne protege is on the sidelines.
Arteta also has the option of trialling Riccardo Calafiori or new signing Piero Hincapie in a right-sided role alongside Gabriel Magalhaes, especially if Ben White is not yet ready to return from his knock and Jurrien Timber is required at right-back for the next couple of weeks.
Could Marli Salmon step into Saliba's Arsenal shoes?
Arsenal's Marli Salmon pictured on February 28, 2025
As well as Premier League and Champions League matters, Arsenal take on Port Vale in the third round of the EFL Cup on September 24, where Mikel Arteta will be expected to field several second-string players, including fringe veterans and up-and-coming academy starlets.
Saliba's possible absence from that encounter could lead to an opportunity for 16-year-old Marli Ellis Salmon, who was involved in Arsenal's pre-season tour of Asia, featuring in victories over AC Milan and Newcastle United.
However, when asked if a start might be possible for Salmon in the EFL Cup, Watts replied: "I doubt it. He might be involved; they might take him along for the journey. But given the amount of players Arsenal have - everyone needs to get minutes - I think it’ll be a very strong team against Port Vale.
“There'll be a lot of changes, but a lot of strength and experience. Hincapie has got to be brought into the team. Myles Lewis-Skelly is going to have to play. We’ll wait and see if Mosquera needs to play in the league before that.
“I'd be surprised if you throw in a 16-year-old. I know he's throwing a 15-year-old [Max Dowman] ahead of him, but I'd be surprised if Salmon starts that game. He’s very highly rated; they think they've got another potential star on their hands. But that might come a little bit too early for him this season.”
While Gooners are anxiously awaiting Arteta's latest quotes on Saliba's issue, Arsenal will almost certainly do without the Frenchman for the visit of Ange Postecoglou's Nottingham Forest to the Emirates on Saturday lunchtime.
> Click here to listen to the full discussion on Saliba's injury and Arsenal's defensive options
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