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Posted on March 7, 2026 6:00 pm | Updated on March 7, 2026 6:02 pm
Arsenal fans received worrying news as Mikel Arteta delivered a fresh injury update on William Saliba. The French defender has been a rock at the back this season. But, an ankle issue is now keeping him out again. With key fixtures approaching, the Gunners must protect him for bigger battles ahead.
William Saliba Injury Leaves Mikel Arteta With Selection Worries
Arsenal will be playing in the FA Cup against Mansfield Town today. But, the focus around the club has quickly shifted toward William Saliba’s fitness. The French centre back will be out for this cup tie after suffering an ankle issue. In addition, he has missed the recent Premier League win against Brighton as well. Now, doubts remain over his availability for the next weekend.
As per reports, Saliba felt pain shortly after the Gunners recent match. That has raised concern among the coaching staff. The defender managed to finish the game but later found it tough to continue. That led to further checks from the club’s medical team. Arteta later said that the problem is not connected to his previous injury.
Speaking ahead of the FA Cup clash, the manager said: “No, it’s the other one.
“We thought the same straight after the game because he wasn’t comfortable to finish the game. After straightaway he didn’t have a good feeling so let’s see if he recovers quickly.”
The update immediately sparked debate among fans. Saliba has been one of the first names on the team sheet this season. So, his absence always creates a panic in the defensive line. Their back line relies heavily on his calm presence and smart positioning.
For now, the north London club looks cautious on the player’s injury. The FA Cup is important, but protecting key players has become a priority. This comes during this busy stage of the 2025/06 season. Arteta and his staff know that one wrong decision could cost them far more than a single cup match.
The Frenchman Will Be Out For Mansfield Clash
When asked directly if the French centre-back could recover in time to face Mansfield, Arteta said: “I doubt it.”
That confirms that the PL leaders will likely be without their defensive leader on this weekend. The coaching staff were very likely to rotate the squad anyway. But, the absence of the Frenchman still brings up a challenge.
Reports suggest that the Gunners could turn to other defensive options. Stars like Cristhian Mosquera and Riccardo Calafiori could be at the heart of the defense. The situation has also been complicated by other availability concerns in the back line. That said, it is leaving Mikel Arteta with limited choices.
Despite the setback, there is no sign that the injury is serious. The north London club believes the problem is manageable. They hope Saliba could return soon if recovery progresses smoothly. The priority now is to monitor the ankle carefully over the next few days.
Arsenal Focus On Bigger Tests
While the FA Cup clash remains important, Arsenal’s schedule gives extra meaning to Arteta’s cautious approach. The team faces a huge UCL knockout match against Bayer Leverkusen next week. That game could influence every decision regarding player fitness.
William Saliba has already made 34 appearances in all competitions this season for the Gunners. He has been playing a huge role in defensive stability and their push for silverware. His partnership with Gabriel has been one of the strongest defensive pairing in European football over the last two seasons.
Given that, Arteta’s side are unlikely to risk with his fitness against lower league opposition. The coaching staff would rather give him additional recovery time than risk worsening the injury.
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Abhijeet Nalawade
Abhijeet Nalawade is a Senior Football Writer at Six Sports, providing in-depth coverage and expert analysis of football matches, player performances, and tactical developments. With extensive experience in football journalism, he specializes in delivering detailed insights and feature articles that keep readers informed and engaged.Through his work at Six Sports, Abhijeet produces comprehensive football content, including match breakdowns, tactical evaluations, and analytical features. His writing combines clarity with expertise, making him a trusted voice for football enthusiasts seeking high-quality coverage of the sport.
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