The tension at the Emirates was palpable during Arsenal’s recent draw with Chelsea, but the absence of one key player loomed larger than the scoreline: William Saliba. His injury forced a reshuffling of the defense, leaving fans holding their breath and anxiously scanning for any news regarding his recovery.
Saliba’s injury occurred during a particularly painful moment – just five minutes into Arsenal’s only defeat of the season, a hard-fought match against Liverpool. An ankle sprain forced him off the pitch, immediately casting a shadow over the team’s ambitions. He subsequently missed games against Nottingham Forest and Athletic Bilbao, fueling concerns about the extent of the damage.
With Gabriel also sidelined, the defensive vulnerability became even more acute. The pairing of Mosquera and Hincapie stepped up against Chelsea, performing admirably under pressure, but they couldn’t entirely fill the void left by Saliba’s absence. His presence is considered vital to Arsenal’s success this season.
Manager Mikel Arteta offered a cautiously optimistic update, acknowledging a “little niggle” but suggesting the issue was likely a matter of “days,” not weeks. However, his response was deliberately guarded, offering little concrete detail to eager reporters. The team awaits further assessment after the next training session.
Gabriel’s return remains further off, estimated to be “some weeks” away. This extended absence places even greater importance on Saliba’s swift recovery, as Arsenal navigates a challenging schedule and strives to maintain its position at the top of the league.
