Former Arsenal and Manchester United defender Mikael Silvestre believes Rob Holding is primed to help Mikel Arteta's side win the Premier League in William Saliba's absence from the team. The 27-year-old defender has played Arsenal's last three Premier League fixtures following Saliba's injury.
The Frenchman continues to recover from a back injury he sustained as the Gunners crashed out of the Europa League last month. Saliba is yet to return to training and is a serious doubt for the upcoming clash against London rivals West Ham United.
Mikel Arteta will hope to avoid any further injury concerns after it was confirmed that Takehiro Tomiyasu will miss the remainder of the season after undergoing surgery on a knee injury he suffered in the same game as Saliba's back problem. The Arsenal boss refused to place a return date on the French defender but reports suggest there is hope that he could return before the end of the month.
READ MORE: Arsenal and Chelsea pursue £35m transfer for 'next Sergio Aguero' as Barcelona talks stall
Arsenal have just eight games left to play in the Premier League and now is when Arteta will need to rely on every player in his squad. Holding has helped the Gunners pick up seven points from three games since coming into the side despite claims he is the 'weak link' in defence after Saliba's injury.
Speaking to bettingexpert.com about the title race, Silvestre feels Holding is not a weak link for the Gunners at all as they head into the final eight games of the season just six points clear. The ex-Gunners star said: "Obviously Arsenal will be disappointed [drawing to Liverpool] because they were leading 2-0 away from home.
"I think in their mind they gave up two points. Nevertheless, they have to play Man City and Newcastle as well.
"I think the race is on. So, it will be a very tight one but I think Arsenal can manage it.
"They’ve been through a lot this season and I think they can hold their nerves and keep playing the way they have done. For Rob Holding, because he’s been at the club so long, he knows what’s at stake, he understands his role now, I think he’s ready.
"Yeah he’s not at the level of Gabriel and Saliba, I think he’s a good enough replacement to get them over the line. I don’t think Rob Holding is a weak link.
"It’s a team game and the back four, back six, I would say, are doing well. If you change one player, it’s not going to change the end result. Time will tell how big of a blow it [Saliba’s injury] is.
"Obviously he’s been an essential part of that partnership with Gabriel Magalhaes and it’s a shame he’s not fit to fight for the club."
READ NEXT:
Why Arsenal hold clear Premier League title advantage over Man City despite Anfield slip-up
Mikel Arteta receives William Saliba injury update as Eddie Nketiah returns to Arsenal training
William Saliba, Eddie Nketiah: Arsenal injury news and return dates following Liverpool draw
Gary Neville delivers fresh Man City Premier League title prediction after Liverpool vs Arsenal
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, views and rumours from the Emirates Stadium
