The 2022/23 season may not have ended prematurely for Arsenal defenders William Saliba and Oleksandr Zinchenko after all.
It was first reported by The Athletic on Thursday evening that the pair would not be available for selection for the remainder of the campaign - thus missing games against Brighton & Hove Albion, Nottingham Forest and Wolves - due to back and calf injuries respectively.
However, when speaking in the pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon, Gunners manager Mikel Arteta only confirmed Saliba's absence: "We have another session tomorrow before the Brighton game," he said. "We're trying to get players back before that day. With William it’s for sure he’s not gonna be fit for this game and we’re doubting him for next game."
READ MORE: Every word Mikel Arteta said on Zinchenko's injury, Xhaka's contract and Ramsdale
In truth, despite Arteta's stance, it would not be a surprise if it turns out that Saliba doesn't play again this season given the nature of his back injury and in Jakub Kiwior, Rob Holding and even Benjamin White, Arsenal should have enough depth in central defence to navigate the final three fixtures.
Interestingly the Arsenal boss replied with "no" when asked if Zinchenko's season is over but and if the 26-year-old isn't fit to face Brighton, or doesn't play again this season, the most obvious candidate to replace him is Kieran Tierney. The Scotland international was excellent against Newcastle United last weekend and having lost his status as the number one option in this role, he has the chance to perhaps send a message to the Gunners manager.
Alternatively, Kiwior can switch to full-back having played there for Poland in the most recent international break. But given how impressive the January signing has been alongside Gabriel Magalhaes, Arteta may opt against ripping up that partnership at a crucial stage in the season.
Then there's youngster Reuell Walters who will almost certainly return to the matchday squad as defensive cover in the absence of Zinchenko. This was the case for games against Crystal Palace, Leeds United, Liverpool, West Ham United and Southampton when there was an injury to a senior player.
With that said, even though the teenager is capable of operating at left-back, the chances of him making his first-team debut whilst the Premier League title race is still alive, appear slim to none as Arteta has resisted the tempatation to throw inexperienced players in at the deep end.
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