Arsenal centre-back William Saliba has missed the past four matches due to a knock sustained ahead of the draw at Chelsea nearly two weeks ago
Ryan Taylor
12:25, 12 Dec 2025
William Saliba
View 2 Images
William Saliba has missed Arsenal's past four matches due to injury
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has finally provided some clarity on the issue that has kept defender William Saliba out for the past two weeks.
The imperious Frenchman picked up what was described as a "knock" ahead of the 1-1 draw at Chelsea on November 30.
Saliba even travelled to Stamford Bridge with the Gunners squad that day, indicating he may have been touch and go to feature in the feisty London derby.
However, he has now missed the past four games in all competitions and there are still no guarantees he will be ready in time to face Wolves on Saturday.
READ MORE: Mikel Arteta issues Declan Rice update with three injured Arsenal stars doubtful for WolvesREAD MORE: Every word Mikel Arteta said on Arsenal vs Wolves, Saliba, Timber, Rice, Jesus and title chances
Arteta said ahead of this weekend's fixture: "We have to wait and see. Yesterday we didn't train, he hasn't trained with us yet. So we have an extra day, which means it's afternoon. Let's see if he can be available or not."
When pushed for clarity on the problem, the Spaniard responded: "Yeah, it was something quite small.
"It came from an ankle injury that he had, and then he started to modify the way he was running and all that, and he started to overload an area, which is something common.
"But at some point, it became uncomfortable to continue training and playing, and we had to stop. He looks better but we have to wait and see if he's enough for him to be able to train with the team."
William Saliba
View 2 Images
Arsenal are currently without both of their first-choice centre-backs William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes(Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Arsenal are navigating somewhat of a defensive crisis as fellow centre-backs Gabriel Magalhaes and Cristhian Mosquera are also sidelined due to injury.
Full-back Jurrien Timber is also doubtful for Wolves due to a knock. Arteta said of the Dutchman: "Again, depends how he feels today. It was a knock that he picked [up], and he wasn’t feeling comfortable. So again, I think it’s a matter of days, but whether it’s tomorrow or not we’ll see."
In Wednesday's 3-0 Champions League win over Club Brugge, Christian Norgaard slotted in as a makeshift central defender and helped the Gunners keep yet another clean sheet.
Article continues below
Myles Lewis-Skelly, Piero Hincapie and Ben White are all expected to start against Wolves while a late call will also be made on Timber as the Gunners look to restore their five-point lead at the top of the Premier League.
Welcome to 'Seeing Red' - our new Arsenal podcast
We've launched a new Arsenal podcast 'Seeing Red' with chief football writer John Cross and Arsenal reporter Tom Canton.
Each week, they will dive deep into the biggest topics as they follow Mikel Arteta's side every step of the way - and will also discuss nostalgic flashbacks before each fixture.
It's a great time to be an Arsenal fan, with the Gunners flying high under Arteta as they look to win silverware this season.
The North Londoners are going strong in the Premier League and Champions League - and they're also in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.
We'll provide insight and reaction - and have fun along the way - as Arsenal target the biggest trophies this season.
No stone will be left unturned. VAR controversy? Poor performances? Unsung hero who deserves praise? Fixture chaos? We'll have it all covered.
Click here to view our YouTube channel
Click here to download our podcasts