William Saliba is unlikely to make Arsenal's Premier League clash with Southampton due to injury, football.london understands.
The French international has been sidelined for nearly a month after being forced off during the Gunners' Europa League defeat to Sporting CP with a back injury. It is understood that this was an aggravation of a problem he picked up in the 3-0 victory over Fulham four days prior.
Arsenal were given a minor boost after Saliba was pictured on a training bicycle with fellow long-term absentee Mohamed Elneny on Tuesday. Despite that though, he remains unlikely to make Friday's clash with Southampton, although the Gunners are thought to be assessing the issue on a daily basis.
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Arsenal are refusing to rule out the possibility that he could return for next Wednesday crucial title six pointer with Manchester City. The player is also said to be willing to do whatever it takes to be available. At time of writing though he is still yet to return to full training with the rest of the first team group.
Meanwhile there is optimism that Oleksandr Zinchenko should be fit to return to the squad for Southampton. The Ukraine international missed the 2-2 draw with West Ham due to a groin issue, but it is not thought to be a serious one.
Arsenal have the opportunity to get back to winning ways against the Premier League's bottom side on Friday after back-to-back draws with Liverpool and West Ham. With City playing their FA Cup semi final against Sheffield United on Saturday, a victory would see Mikel Arteta's side open up a seven point lead at the top of the table having played two games more than City.
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