It’s rumoured that William Saliba has suffered a back injury that will keep him out of action for up to five months.
It was initially thought that it may require surgery but it is now felt that the player would benefit from a period of rest, recuperation and manipulative therapies.
As soon as the news of Saliba’s injury dropped Arsenal had to reconsider their transfer plans slightly to cover one half of their magnificent centre back pairing.
Who could fill Saliba’s position
We actually possess a number of viable and versatile options already but when you are defending a premier league title as Champions you can’t improvise at an elite level.
Hincapie, Mosquera or Calafiori could in theory cover for the injured Frenchman but Arsenal need a seamless replacement with specific attributes that can fit around Gabriel.
Out of those three Calafiori of Hincapie would be my preferred choice.
Konsa and Stones – Two very different possibilities. –
The young prospects from the academy can’t be risked so early in their development so Arsenal are looking to the transfer market and in particular Ezri Konsa of Aston Villa.
That move could have some legs but it won’t be cheap, even more sensible might be a short term, season long contract for John Stones.
Hear me out, he’s available, he’s experienced and will not expect to play an entire season at 32.
He has a wealth of Champion’s League experience and has been in the trenches domestically in all competitions.
Last season he missed 24 games with injuries including muscle, thigh and calf problems but he and City were already at the tail end of his contract and Guarding had already sourced alternatives.
As a stop gap Stones is ideal and whatever his wages it will not hinder Arsenals other transfer plans.
Ben White – ready made option.
Ben White’s departure may also be on hold due to Saliba’s absence. It was thought that he was a certainty to head to pastures new this summer but Arteta may look to White because of his experience within the squad.
He doesn’t need to integrate or adapt, he is versatile and knows the existing patterns of play plus he is a sure footed baller, able to pass accurately out from the back as the team progress play.
I think Saliba’s injury will now be on the agenda for Arteta and Berta and they are already weighing up their options.