31 March 2023 , 13:33
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Mikel Arteta has ruled William Saliba out for Arsenal's game against Leeds - but is "very hopeful" he will be fit at some point before the end of the season.
The Gunners currently sit eight points clear of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League and have a very good chance of winning their first top-flight title in 19 years.
However, Arsenal have been dealt a massive blow ahead of the run-in. Saliba, who has been excellent this term, will miss the clash with relegation-threatened Leeds through injury.
Saliba picked up the issue in the Europa League defeat to Sporting CP before the international break and therefore had to sit out of the 4-1 win over Crystal Palace on March 19.
Speaking in his pre-Leeds press conference, Arteta said: "He is progressing, unfortunately he still has some discomfort. He is not going to be fit for this game (Leeds)."
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This will give Arteta a major conundrum heading into the visit of Leeds this weekend. Rob Holding started the game against Palace alongside Gabriel, with Ben White on the right side of the back-four.
But White had played with Gabriel as the centre-back pairing before Saliba returned from his impressive loan spell at Marseille. With Takehiro Tomiyasu out for the season, White is no doubt going to have to stay at right-back.
Cedric made the move to Fulham in January, leaving White as the only fit recognisable right-back at the club, even though his most used role is in the middle. Holding is expected to keep his place to face Leeds.
William Saliba (Getty Images)Arteta is praying that Saliba will return as soon as possible, however, given they are potentially 10 games away from winning the Premier League title. He added that he is very hopeful Saliba will play again this season.
He added: "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. Let’s push it and see how he copes with that. He’s so willing to be back in the team."
It wouldn't be the first time Holding has come into the Arsenal XI and impressed. He did so against West Ham at the back end of last season following an injury to White. Arteta lauded the former Bolton man after the game.
Arteta said on the Englishman: "I said to you guys, to good people, to good things happen and Rob is another great example, but now when he plays well to give him credit, especially when he doesn't play.
"The way he trains, the way he is amongst the team, he's just a phenomenal person and player to have around the team and today, when you ask him to come he's always ready to do something."