Arsenal legend Martin Keown believes William Saliba is still underrated with the French centre-back a ‘big miss’ for the Premier League leaders heading into Wednesday’s crunch clash with Manchester City.
With all due respect to Rob Holding, his introduction into Mikel Arteta’s XI in place of the injured Saliba is almost the footballing equivalent of being robbed of tickets to see Rolling Stones headline Glastonbury and being reimbursed with a gig to The 1975.
Holding’s deficiencies were exposed in brutal fashion by bottom-of-the-table Southampton on Friday evening; Ruben Selles’ side storming into a 3-1 lead in front of a stunned Emirates Stadium.
And the prospect of Holding going head-to-head with the irrepressible Erling Haaland in midweek is one that will keep even the most cool-headed Arsenal supporter up at night.
According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Saliba is likely to be unavailable against not only Man City but also when Chelsea come to town the following week.
No William Saliba for Arsenal ahead of Manchester City clash
“Saliba has been the player Arsenal have been without,” says Keown; a member of Arsene Wenger’s Invincible squad from 2003/04.
“You can say it’s not all about one player, but I think this guy doesn’t get anywhere near enough credit; his pace, his power, his aggression. The stature he has.
“He has not been available. And while has not been in the team, it has been more difficult. Balls into the channel, the team playing deeper…” Keown tells talkSPORT (24 April, 12.30pm).
“So that will be a big miss.”
Arsenal have not only failed to win any of their last three league games, they have also not kept a single clean sheet since Saliba picked up that troubling back issue following the 3-0 thumping of Fulham at Craven Cottage.
The former Marseille loanee had played all but 14 minutes of the Gunners’ entire Premier League campaign. Until being thrust onto the sidelines a few weeks ago, that is.
“Regarding William, we still have to wait a little bit more,” Arteta tells the Express.
“He is not progressing as quick as we hoped. It’s a bit delicate. We want to be very certain when we push him that he is ready to absorb the risk we’ll take.
“And, at the moment, that’s not possible to do.”
Arsenal are still five points clear of Manchester City in top spot. Pep Guardiola’s in-form side do have two games in hand, however.
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