Mikel Arteta has confirmed William Saliba came off with an injury in Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Crystal Palace.
Having missed the first half of September with an ankle problem, Saliba returned to the fold to play a part in the Gunners’ last seven matches in all competitions.
But the centre-back managed just 45 minutes of today’s London derby, with Cristhian Mosquera taking up his place alongside Gabriel Magalhaes after Eberechi Eze’s stunner against his former side.
Arteta has taken a cautious approach with Saliba’s minutes in recent weeks and opted to start Mosquera in Arsenal’s dramatic 2-1 victory over Newcastle last month.
The 24-year-old Frenchman – who has been named in the PFA Team of the Year for the last three seasons – was only deemed fit enough for the substitutes bench on that occasion at St James’ Park.
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The Arsenal head coach faces an anxious wait to learn the severity of Saliba’s latest setback ahead of a busy and crucial period for the club.
The Premier League leaders play host to Brighton in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night before returning to top-flight action in a week’s time away to Burnley.
‘He had to be out after the first half,’ Arteta replied when asked for an update on Saliba at his post-match press conference.
Declan Rice and Riccardo Calafiori were also substituted in the second period, both appearing in some discomfort as they left the field at the Emirates.
‘Declan was also struggling from the first half with a knock that he took,’ Arteta explained.
‘And Ricci [Calafiori] has well, so let’s see how they recover.’
There was also some concern surrounding Gabriel Martinelli’s fitness, who was seen struggling in the tunnel shortly after the final whistle.
But Arteta is confident the Brazilian did not pick up a serious injury, telling reporters: ‘Yeah, I think so [Martinelli is OK]
‘We have to check that out. He was a bit uncomfortable and he said he felt something.
‘We don’t know whether it’s a muscular issue or not so tomorrow we will have more news.’
More to follow.
