William Saliba's recovery from a back issue has not progressed and the Arsenal star is now set to miss the title defining clash at Manchester City.
The Gunners have been without the centre-half since he hobbled off with a back injury in the Europa League defeat to Sporting Lisbon last month. They had hoped he would return for the crucial week ahead, but they have seen the necessary steps forward and will now go to the Etihad without him on Wednesday night.
Saliba's problem is also set to keep him out of the game with Chelsea at the Emirates just days later, reports The Athletic. Arsenal have struggled without the Frenchman, who had been an ever present in the Premier League prior to his injury setback, which the Daily Mail reports has seen "structural damage" in his lower back that has also caused concern to one of his lumbar discs
The north Londoners have seen their form nosedive in recent weeks without Saliba present. Their win percentage has plummeted whilst their goals conceded per game has risen considerably. Mikel Arteta saw his side concede three against bottom of the table Southampton on Friday, eventually rallying late on to secure a draw.
Prior to that they concede twice in successive games against Liverpool and West Ham - surrendering a 2-0 lead on each occasion which has allowed City to close in with top spot now within their grasp if they win their games in hand and avoid defeat to the Gunners, who've sat top for much of the season.
Rob Holding has filled in for Saliba, but has lacked much game time this term. The defender has copped criticism for his performances, giving away a penalty at Liverpool after making a rash challenge. Alongside him Gabriel has looked far less assured without Saliba.
Arteta, when quizzed last week, couldn't rule out the possibility of Saliba missing the remainder of the season - a fear that could be increasing. Arsenal, after taking on City and Chelsea, must travel to Newcastle, who have been a formidable outfit at St James' Park.
The Spaniard praised his side's fighting mentality last time out but admits they cannot concede goals so easily. He said: "Normally the players start to hide in certain moments – I didn’t see a single player do that, they were willing to take risks, to take the initiative.
"That’s why we created the chances we created, that’s why we got back to 3-3 from 3-1 and should have won the game. So, the confidence is there, it’s those moments that we need to cut back. At this level, we cannot give away the goals that we have given. It’s as simple as that."
