William Saliba is facing a race against time to be declared fit for Arsenal's potential Premier League title-deciding clash against Manchester City next week. The France international has been unavailable for selection in recent weeks as he continues to recover from a back injury.
Saliba was withdrawn from action during the Gunners' Europa League round of 16 second-leg against Sporting CP inside 20 minutes. The Frenchman was the second player to be taken off with an injury that night after Takehiro Tomiyasu was substituted inside the opening 10 minutes with a knee problem.
The Japanese defender has since been ruled out of action for the remainder of the season after undergoing successful surgery as he continues his rehabilitation to be fit in time for the start of the 2023/24 campaign. Rob Holding has deputised in Saliba's absence, partnering Gabriel Magalhaes in defence, as the Gunners dropped points for a second successive match after drawing 2-2 against West Ham.
READ MORE: William Saliba spotted in Arsenal comeback as Mikel Arteta hopes to reignite title challenge
Mikel Arteta may have been given the biggest boost to their Premier League title hopes yet as defender the 22-year-old was spotted back in training in the gym at London Colney. The north Londoners are set to face Southampton on Friday evening - which may be too soon for Saliba to return to action given that he is yet to resume first team training on the grass.
A report from The Daily Mail states that the Frenchman is determined to play part in Arsenal’s title run-in despite threat of complications to an injury that currently requires ‘day-to-day’ management. The defender is entering a crucial period in his recovery from a lower back problem, with the next few days being key in determining his availability for Friday’s game against the Saints and next Wednesday’s make-or-break title clash at the Etihad Stadium against City.
Arsenal medical staff are 'cautious' about Saliba's injury as they do not want to aggravate his issue further by rushing him back, but the Gunners now have a pivotal seven days ahead of them in what could see them go on to win the Premier League title for the first time since 2004. There is hope Saliba can step up his rehabilitation this week as Gunners boss Arteta indicated last Friday that the centre-back is expected to recommence training on the grass this week.
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