Arsenal take on Liverpool this weekend in what could be a pivotal game in the Premier League title race.
The north Londoners currently sit eight points clear at the top of the table, albeit second-placed Manchester City do have a game in hand on their title rivals. But next up for Mikel Arteta and co is a trip to Anfield, a ground they have failed to win at in the league since 2012.
The Gunners may be without centre-back William Saliba for the trip to Merseyside, with the Evening Standard reporting that the French international remains a serious injury doubt for Sunday's match. It is claimed that Arsenal will make a final decision on the 22-year-old closer kickoff, although Rob Holding looks set to deputise for the third game in a row.
READ MORE: Roy Keane refuses to make Arsenal U-turn on Premier League title prediction amid Man City claim
The former Bolton defender came on for Saliba when the latter picked up his injury last month against Sporting CP, appearing to hold his lower back as he trudged off the field. "He is progressing, unfortunately he still has some discomfort in his back. He’s not gonna be fit for this game and we’re trying to do everything to feel better, but not yet," Arteta said last week when asked about the talented youngster's fitness status.
However, the Spaniard did confirm that he is hopeful Saliba will return at some point this season. "Yeah, I am very hopeful and he is as well," he added.
"Back injuries are a bit tricky and how they evolve with the load that you put in certain areas. Let's push it and see how he copes with that. He's so willing to be back in the team."
READ NEXT:
Latest Arsenal injury news as four miss Liverpool with William Saliba fear and Mikel Artea hope
Oleksandr Zinchenko 'wanted to kill' Arsenal star Gabriel Jesus after Premier League title joke
Pep Guardiola has already warned Mikel Arteta and Arsenal about Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool
3 things that will 'definitely' happen to Arsenal if Luis Enrique is appointed at Chelsea
