William Saliba is facing a race against time to be declared fit for Arsenal's potential Premier League title-deciding clash against Manchester City next week. The France international has been unavailable for selection in recent weeks as he continues to recover from a back injury.
Saliba was withdrawn from action during the Gunners' Europa League round of 16 second-leg against Sporting CP inside 20 minutes. The Frenchman was the second player to be taken off with an injury that night after Takehiro Tomiyasu was substituted inside the opening 10 minutes with a knee problem.
The Japanese defender has since been ruled out of action for the remainder of the season after undergoing successful surgery as he continues his rehabilitation to be fit in time for the start of the 2023/24 campaign. Rob Holding has deputised in Saliba's absence, partnering Gabriel Magalhaes in defence, as the Gunners dropped points for a second successive match after drawing 2-2 against West Ham.
