Mikel Arteta has revealed the latest on his Arsenal squad as they prepare to face Leeds on Saturday afternoon. The Gunners know that they could move 11 points clear of Manchester City by the end of the weekend if results go their way.
They will have to do it without one of their best performers this season though with William Saliba ruled out of the game because of injury. The Frenchman has played in all but one of the league games so far, only missing the victory over Crystal Palace. He limped off against Sporting CP before that.
Arteta confirmed the bad news for Arsenal fans, saying: "He is progressing,unfortunately he still has some discomfort in his back. He’s not gonna be fit for this game and we’re trying to do everything to feel better. But not yet."
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There was a glimmer of hope from the Spaniard though with optimism that the 22-year-old will feature again this season, adding: "Yeah I am very hopeful and he is as well. Back injuries are a bit tricky and how they evolve with the load that you put in certain areas. Let’s push it and see how he copes with that. He’s so willing to be back in the team."
Arteta was lucky to avoid any fresh injury scares, though, despite Martin Odegaard being on the receiving end of a tough tackle from title rival Rodri during Spain's match against Norway. Arteta isn't holding any grudges though, saying simply: "These things happen."
There were further moments of worry for Arteta with both Kieran Tierney - also on the receiving end of a Rodri blow - and Thomas Partey picking up knocks during the break. Partey, who has been in and out of the side with small setbacks recently, had his position explained by Ghana boss Chris Hughton.
"Thomas has some small issues, a small injury tissue and we felt it was too big of a risk to start him," Arteta said. Elsewhere, Eddie Nketiah hasn't played since the 4-0 win over Everton with Arteta saying at the time: "He's still in the boot. He's still a few weeks away and we need to be patient.
"It was a nasty injury and he has a big challenge ahead of him. Thank God it could have been worse. So he's not in a bad place."
These look to be matters of the past though with the boss saying ahead of the clash with Leeds: "The rest of them are all good."
Takerhiro Tomiyasu and Mohamed Elneny remain sidelined with long-term injuries and are both expected to miss the rest of the season.
Meanwhile Leeds will be without a group of their own stars with USMNT star and captain Tyler Adams ruled out. He joins Stuart Dallas and Adam Forshaw on the sidelines. Italy breakout player Willy Gnonto has also been ruled out alongside Max Wober.
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