William Saliba was forced off injured after just five minutes of Arsenal's clash with Liverpool, with the Gunners suffering a major blow in their Premier League title race
17:35, 31 Aug 2025Updated 17:36, 31 Aug 2025
William Saliba was substituted just minutes into Liverpool vs Arsenal
William Saliba was substituted just minutes into Liverpool vs Arsenal
Arsenal were dealt a devastating setback in their crucial Premier League clash at Liverpool on Sunday when William Saliba was forced off with an injury after just five minutes.
The Gunners' key defender was spotted sitting on the pitch looking towards the bench moments after the massive encounter got underway at Anfield. It quickly became clear that the Frenchman wouldn't be able to carry on.
He was swiftly substituted by Cristhian Mosquera, one of the club's summer acquisitions, for the rest of the match.
Dion Dublin, providing commentary for BBC Radio 5 Live, observed that Saliba collapsed straight after heading the ball and hadn't seemed to be in difficulty beforehand.
"I didn't see any limping from William Saliba," the former Aston Villa striker commented.
William Saliba was forced off in the first five minutes
William Saliba was forced off in the first five minutes(Image: Getty Images)
"After heading the ball Saliba went down. He kept his left leg straight and his right leg bent," reports the Mirror. "That is a huge loss for Arsenal."
Arsenal have already been hit by numerous injury worries this season: Kai Havertz is set to have surgery for a knee problem.
While Bukayo Saka also sat out Sunday's major fixture at Anfield due to a hamstring complaint which will keep him out for approximately four weeks.
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Martin Odegaard picked up a shoulder knock in the same match that Saka injured himself last weekend.
The Norway captain was healthy enough to make the trip to Liverpool, however, beginning the game amongst the substitutes.
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Arsenal and Liverpool were level pegging at the time of Saliba's injury, but the Gunners looked to have the better of the chances of the two sides for the reminder of the first half.