William Saliba has missed the last four Arsenal games in succession with a back injury and football.london understands he's unlikely to make a return to action against Southampton on Friday night.
It's more than a month since the Frenchman was forced off in the first half against Sporting CP after aggravating the problem he picked up in the 3-0 victory over Fulham four days prior as the Gunners' hopes of lifting the Europa League trophy came to an end at the round of 16 stage.
In Saliba's absence, Rob Holding has stepped in to partner Gabriel Magalhaes at the heart of Arsenal's defence and despite coming in for criticism from some supporters following the 2-2 draw against West Ham United last weekend, his performances have generally been OK even if he's unable to replicate what the France international does.
READ MORE: Arsenal learn William Saliba injury update ahead of Southampton Premier League clash
And given the 22-year-old is all but set to miss Friday night's clash against Southampton, Holding will almost certainly deputise once again unless manager Mikel Arteta has a sudden change of heart and decides to either hand Jakub Kiwior a full Premier League debut or turn to highly-rated youngster Reuell Walters.
Sticking with Saliba, although the Gunners are thought to be assessing his back issue on a daily basis, there are fears amongst some sections of the fanbase that the defender will not play again this season, let alone be ready for the huge Premier League clash against Manchester City next Wednesday.
This comes after Mohamed Elneny posted footage onto his Instagram Stories of the pair in the gym working on exercise bikes as seeing Saliba doing his rehabilitation with a player who is thought to be ruled out for the remainder of the season has sparked something of a meltdown on social media.
On Twitter, @m0ntyafc said: "Saliba on a bike with Elneny man, this season is finished", @karimkhalil1 said: "Elneny out for the season. Saliba working out with Elneny. Not a good sign", @keshman0007 said: "Saliba is out of the season" and @OjemenG said: "The truth is Saliba won't play again this season. Back injury takes time before it heals."
Now, previously there had been reports that this back injury would sideline Saliba for the rest of the season, thus seeing him unavailable for selection as Arsenal aim to win a Premier League title for the first time since 2003/04. However, when speaking earlier in the month, Arteta was hopeful it would not be the case.
"Yeah, 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," the Gunners manager said before the 4-1 win over Leeds United. "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."
As things currently stand, Saliba is yet to return to full training with the rest of the first-team players, although the defender is said to be willing to do whatever it takes to be available for the trip to the Etihad Stadium next Wednesday and the possibility of that happening hasn't been ruled out.
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