Arsenal star William Saliba is dealing with a back injury that could see him miss large parts of the Gunners' Premier League title run-in. Minus the recent victory over Crystal Palace, the Frenchman has started every league game this season, also completing 90 minutes on all but one occasion.
To put it lightly, Saliba is of huge importance to Arsenal. There is a calmness that emanates from the Arsenal defence when he plays and that has in turn significantly improved the form of Gabriel Magalhaes. The duo have comfortably developed into one of the best defensive partnerships in the league and, given Arsenal's form this season, it could be argued the world as well.
So, the absence of Saliba could be a monumental blow to Arsenal's title hopes. In his pre-Leeds press conference on Friday, Mikel Arteta provided the latest update on his status. "He is progressing, unfortunately he still has some discomfort in his back," Arteta said.
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"We are trying to manage him in the best possible way. Unfortunately he’s not gonna be fit for this game and we’re trying and he’s trying to do everything to feel better and get back training. But not yet.
"I am very hopeful and he is as well. Back injuries are a bit tricky and how they evolve with the load that you put in certain areas. He’s very positive and the medical staff are positive about it. Let’s push it every day and see how he copes with that and how the pain develops as well. He’s so willing to be back in the team."
Despite joining the club in 2019, Saliba felt like a brand new signing at the start of the current campaign after an extremely fruitful loan spell at Marseille. The 22-year-old was recognised for his performances in France by being named as the Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year.
Understandably, after coupling a breakout season in his home country with his major role in Arsenal's title charge, Europe's elite could be circling around Saliba. Paris Saint-Germain have been mooted as a possible destination for Saliba, but a fresh claim on that possibility has outlined two factors why Arsenal supporters shouldn't be too worried.
CaughtOffside’s Jonathan Johnson said: “Saliba obviously has Parisian roots, he comes from Bondy, the same place as Kylian Mbappe, so that will appeal to the French champions. However, one complicating factor with Saliba that shouldn’t be underestimated is that loan spell with Marseille that he had – a very successful one at that - and I think that will stay fresh in the memories of some PSG fans.
“I think PSG, like a lot of top teams, will keep a close eye on Saliba, and see if an opportunity comes up, but given the amount of money it would now take to prise him away from an Arsenal side who could be on the verge of winning the Premier League title, it seems unlikely to me at this moment in time.”
However, it is interesting to note that PSG would likely strike if an opportunity arose and on that possibility, the French giants and potentially any other suitors could therefore be in luck. Saliba sees his Arsenal contract expire in the summer of 2024 with talks ongoing over an extension.
The plan for Edu at the start of the season regarding renewals was clear. Tie down the futures of Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka and Saliba. Martinelli has already signed his new deal and Saka looks very close to doing the same, which leaves just Saliba.
Multiple hints and supposed demands have emerged in recent months and football.london understand talks are progressing well. But no final agreement would allow Saliba to negotiate a pre-contract move to any club outside of the Premier League as early as January 2024.
There is of course 10 months between now and when that could happen which gives Arsenal plenty of time to reach an agreement, but there is no absolute guarantee Saliba stays in north London beyond next year.
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