Arsenal defender William Saliba is making his way back to fitness and isn’t completely ruled out of the West Ham United clash just yet.
The Gunners have been without Saliba since he picked up an injury against Sporting back on March 16th.
Nearly a month on, Saliba still isn’t back and Arsenal will be desperate for the Frenchman to return.
Arsenal’s hopes seem to be rising now as Sky Sports have an update on Saliba’s situation.
Reporter James Cole was down at London Colney today and noted that Saliba wasn’t part of a light training session.
Eddie Nketiah was involved but Arsenal are taking a ‘very cautious’ approach with Saliba’s injury.
It’s noted that Saliba’s injury is a back problem and Arsenal don’t want to risk him suffering the injury again.
Featuring against West Ham is ‘unlikely but not impossible’ with Saliba potentially ramping up his return this week.
“There are two players who are close to a return, we understand, from injury – they are defender William Saliba and striker Eddie Nketiah,” said Cole. “Saliba is not out there, Nketiah is. This is a light training session so it could be that Saliba is just staying indoors to do a bit more rehab.”
“In terms of Saliba, I understand it’s unlikely but not impossible that he will return for the West Ham game on Sunday. He’s been reported to being close to a return but I understand Arsenal are being very cautious because it’s a back injury, because it could re-emerge if they rush him back too quickly,” he added.
Arsenal need William Saliba back soon
Rob Holding has been filling in for Saliba and has done okay all things considered.
The drop-off is clear though; Holding isn’t as comfortable on the ball, isn’t as athletically-gifted and is more clumsy at the back.
We saw that with Holding giving away a scruffy penalty on Diogo Jota during Sunday’s draw with Liverpool.
Arsenal have some massive games coming up, none bigger than the trip to face Manchester City at the end of April.
Arsenal really need Saliba back for that game as Mikel Arteta will need his team at full strength against Pep Guardiola’s men.
Arteta and co will seemingly take the stance that Saliba missing another game or two, including West Ham this weekend, may be better for the long run with City on the horizon.
Maybe we see Saliba in full training at some point in the coming days, but don’t be surprised if Holding starts once again this weekend.
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