Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has confirmed that William Saliba sustained an ankle injury prior to the defeat to Liverpool on Sunday.
Speaking after the game, Arteta said that the decision was made to start the France international despite it soon becoming clear he wasn’t fit to continue:
Most Read on Gooner News
“He [Saliba] twisted his ankle during the warm-up. He came in and he said he believed that he could carry on and play, but straightaway in the first two actions I could see that he couldn’t cope and we had to get him out, unfortunately.
The Gunners coped pretty well without Saliba, with summer signing Cristhian Mosquera putting in an impressive showing in the Frenchman’s absence. Dominik Szoboszlai’s wonder goal proved decisive on the day.
When will Saliba return to action?
The 24-year-old has already pulled out of France’s squad for their World Cup qualifiers against Ukraine and Iceland.
Whether the Gunners are simply being cautious, it is not known, but Saliba will be a doubt for the club’s fixtures directly after the international break.
Mikel Arteta’s side take on Nottingham Forest, Athletic Bilbao and Manchester City in the space of eight days following the resumption of club football.
Latest Arsenal injury news
Captain Martin Odegaard (shoulder) was fit enough for the bench and he came on for the final 20 minutes against Liverpool.
Bukayo Saka is currently undergoing treatment for a hamstring injury, and he is scheduled to be out for at least another three weeks.
Kai Havertz has undergone surgery on a knee problem and he is not expected to be back in action any time soon.
Christian Norgaard has not played since the start of the campaign due to a knock, and Ben White has now missed the last two fixtures with an unspecified issue. Gabriel Jesus (ACL), meanwhile, is closing in on a return to full fitness.
Read more about the Arsenal First Team Squad for 2025/26 here