Arsenal defender William Saliba has been ruled out of the Premier League leaders game against Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday evening.
The Frenchman has missed the last two matches for the Gunners after picking up a back injury in the Europa League loss to Sporting Lisbon three weeks ago.
Mikel Arteta had hoped the defender would recover over the international break, but Saliba is still yet to return to training with the tough match at Anfield on the horizon, according to Metro.
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Arsenal hold an eight point lead over Manchester City in the race for the title, but the reigning champions have a game in hand and still have to welcome the Gunners to the Etihad Stadium.
Rob Holding has started next to Gabriel in place of the injured Saliba, but Arteta was critical of his side's defending after their victory over Crystal Palace before the international break.
Liverpool have been in poor form having lost their last two away matches in the league, but home form is different for the Reds and have beaten City at Anfield and humiliated Manchester United in that 7-0 win.
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