Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed William Saliba and Oleksandr Zinchenko will miss the Premier League clash with Southampton on Friday.
Arsenal defender William Saliba’s recovery from a back injury has not progressed as hoped and he has been ruled out of Friday’s Premier League clash with Southampton.
Saliba had started every league game this season before being forced off during the Europa League defeat to Sporting Lisbon last month. He has not played since and his absence is a big blow for the Gunners’ title hopes.
Asked if the issue could now leave Saliba sidelined until next season, Arteta added: “I don’t know, it’s a bit early [to make predictions].
“Probably next week we are going to have more certainty. There is some evolution, he is doing more activity.
“But he is not there yet to start to throw him on the pitch at the level that the sessions demand to compete in this league.
The Spaniard said: “Not big news, the picture hasn’t changed since last week. With William he hasn’t progressed as much as we would have hoped.
“It’s a bit delicate. We want to be sure when we push him.
“I don’t know, it is early to say. We want more certainty.”
On Zinchenko, Arteta added: “We are not certain. It is a muscular injury and needs some time to heal.”
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