Arsenal
‘I spoke to him’: Arteta provides injury update on Arsenal star Saliba after Nottingham Forest win
Arsenal beat Nottingham Forest 3-0 earlier today, courtesy of a brace from Martin Zubimendi and close range finish from Viktor Gyokeres, as they made it nine points on the board in the Premier League four games into the campaign.
Mikel Arteta’s side also kept a third clean sheet in four outings, showcasing their positive start to the season, with only one goal against which came in their match against Liverpool at Anfield before the international break.
The coaching staff will be especially happy about the team’s performance this afternoon as Cristhian Mosquera had a decent game amidst William Saliba’s absence, although Arteta did provide an update on the Frenchman as he said (h/t Football London),
“He trained yesterday and I spoke to him afterwards and he said I think I need a few more days.”
No risks will be afforded with Saliba
William Saliba is arguably the best central defender that Arsenal have, although they are unlikely to take any risks with his fitness after his injury from a fortnight back at Liverpool forced him to miss the international break too.
And while his returning to training is a welcome boost for Mikel Arteta and his squad, there is enough depth in the position this season after Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapie were signed as cover for Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes.
Having said that, it would not be a surprise if the Frenchman misses out on Arsenal’s away trip to San Mames on matchday one of the Champions League as they take on Athletic Bilbao on Tuesday evening.
Mosquera would not only have a regular run of minutes under his belt, but having played extensively in La Liga, his inclusion in the starting eleven over a misfit Saliba’s would benefit Arsenal at the back.
Ideally, Arteta would like to call upon Saliba for next weekend’s Premier League clash against Manchester City and it remains to be seen whether he puts in enough training to start against Pep Guardiola’s men.
