Arsenal will be without key defender William Saliba for this weekend's Premier League clash with Leeds United, football.london understands. The 21-year-old's fitness has been a concern throughout the international break after being injured in the Gunners' Europa League loss to Sporting CP.
Saliba was forced off after 21 minutes two-and-a-half weeks ago after picking up a knock to his back. He was forced to withdraw from the France national team and missed the 4-1 win over Crystal Palace.
It is currently unclear when Saliba will return to Mikel Arteta's squad. But for the time being, the Gunners must make do without his presence in defence. With so much resting on the final 10 games of the 2022/23 season, Arsenal will be hoping they do not miss Saliba too much.
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Confirmation of Saliba’s injury means Arteta will be forced to turn to either Rob Holding or Jakub Kiwior. It's likely that the former will get the nod due to his experience in England compared to Kiwior - who has made only two appearances since his £20million January arrival.
Holding has never been a regular fixture throughout his Arsenal career. Since signing in 2016 from Bolton Wanderers for a fee around £2million, the 27-year-old has made 156 appearances. However, he has always been prone to playing deputy.
This season alone, he has played a bit-part role under Arteta due to Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes' formidable partnership in the heart of the defence. Holding has started only one Premier League game this season - the 4-1 win over Palace - and has came off the bench a further seven times.
With that being said, this potential period in the Gunners side is a perfect chance to solidify his cult reputation in north London. It also is an opportunity for Arsene Wenger to be proved right for his memorable words in 2016.
Over six years ago, Holding arrived to bolster Wenger's options in defence. His debut in red didn't go to plan, conceding four against Liverpool on the opening day, but he quickly earned the approval of Wenger the following week.
After keeping reigning champions Leicester City and Jamie Vardy at bay, Wenger was full of praise for Holding - despite supporters' calls for a new defender. "Unfortunately, no-one speaks about the performances of Rob Holding," he said.
"You should be happy, he is English and 20 years old. I am sorry he didn't cost £55million, so he can't be good. We don't speak about the performances anymore and I think that is not right."
Wenger's comment did not go unnoticed by Holding and could well be a motivational factor ahead of this weekend. "I enjoyed his response and I do use it as motivation that I am who I am and hard work will get me where I want to be," the defender said in 2019.
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