Arsenal defender William Saliba is set to miss the Premier League clash against Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon. The Frenchman has failed a fitness test ahead of the match and will withdraw from international duty after being selected in the France squad by Didier Deschamps as a result, according to reports in France.
The Gunners were set to assess Saliba over the weekend to decide if he's available for the match against Palace at the Emirates Stadium, football.london understands. The 21-year-old was substituted with a back injury during Thursday night's game against Sporting CP, which saw Arsenal exit the competition following defeat on penalties.
Mikel Arteta offered an update on Saliba's fitness after the game and admitted he was not sure if the Frenchman would be involved on Sunday. The Arsenal boss said: "Willy, I don’t know, he had some discomfort and could not continue so we had to take him out."
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Arteta is set to be without Takehiro Tomiyasu as well after he also came off injured just nine minutes into the penalty shootout defeat against Sporting. The Spaniard described the Japan international's injury as "serious" and he was spotted leaving the Emirates Stadium on crutches.
It is understood that Tomiyasu will be out for the visit of Palace at the very least, with a clear prognosis expected to be finalised in the coming days. Saliba's absence will come as a huge blow for Arsenal, with Rob Holding set to be called upon to partner Gabriel Magalhaes in the starting XI.
A report from French outlet RMC Sport stated: "William Saliba (Arsenal) was injured Thursday evening in the Europa League. The central defender gave up his place in the 21st minute.
"The news is not good in view of the exams passed by the player, who suffers from the back. He will not be in the group that will face Crystal Palace this Sunday."
Saliba could be sidelined for a number of weeks as he recovers from his injury. Thomas Partey suffered a back problem last month and missed the defeat against Manchester City and dramatic win against Aston Villa, before returning in a late cameo for the victory against Leicester City.
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