The latest William Saliba injury update has Arsenal fans concerned over his status for Saturday’s clash with Aston Villa.
William Saliba injury update: Doubtful after missing training
The Gunners are expected to be shorthanded in defence for this evening’s meeting with Villa after news emerged of Saliba’s absence from training on Friday.
In the closing stages of Arsenal’s North London derby win over Spurs in midweek, Saliba appeared to suffer a suspected hamstring injury and his status is considered doubtful.
During his pregame press conference, Mikel Arteta was asked for an injury update on his squad as a whole and offered the media a vague answer:
“We have a few decisions to make this afternoon with the medical staff to understand whether they are in the best condition for this game or the next one, so we’ll decide that.”
It’s expected Jakub Kiwior could make his first appearance in a month in place of Saliba alongside Gabriel at centre-back, having not featured since the EFL Cup quarter-final win over Crystal Palace on December 18.
Arsenal’s defensive depth has already taken multiple hits with injuries to Ben White, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Riccardo Calafiori, offering the likes of 18-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly the chance to step up to the plate.
WATCH: William Saliba suffers suspected hamstring injury vs Spurs
I did see it on the TV, and I was afraid of this. Hope it’s nothing.
Saliba with a concerned look towards the bench.pic.twitter.com/NVy5eQdrjY https://t.co/CS6xzUMXKU
— 🇳🇴 kimmoFC (@kimmoFC) January 17, 2025
Arsenal vs Aston Villa prediction: Gunners look vulnerable against bogey team
As per the best football betting sites, Arsenal enter Saturday’s game as 4/7 favourites – and that price might be a bit too skinny considering the current state of the squad.
Villa have proved to be somewhat of a bogey team for the Gunners in recent years, dropping two of their last three to the West Midlands outfit including at the Emirates last time out which cost Arsenal the league title.
Saka remains out with injury, Gabriel Jesus has just began his recovery from an ACL tear and Villa are coming here off the back of three straight wins with plenty of confidence in their stride.
You’ll find worse bets than Villa to win at 11/2.
