Arsenal's Saliba Ruled Out of Dinamo Zagreb Clash but Expected Back Soon

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta provides an update on William Saliba's injury, while also expressing confidence in the team's ability to secure a spot in the Champions League last 16 ahead of their clash with Dinamo Zagreb.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has expressed concern over the hamstring injury sustained by defender William Saliba, but has alleviated fears that the 23-year-old Frenchman may face an extended period on the sidelines. Saliba's injury has added to Arteta's woes, with the Gunners already dealing with the absence of several key players.

The injury forced Saliba to miss Arsenal's 2-2 draw against Aston Villa on Saturday, a result that dealt a significant blow to the team's Premier League title aspirations. Initially, Arteta had expressed worry over the severity of the injury, but he has since provided a more positive update on Saliba's expected return to action.

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Saliba will not be available for Arsenal's Champions League match against Dinamo Zagreb on Wednesday, but Arteta anticipates his return before the Premier League clash against Manchester City on February 2. The Gunners are eager to secure a place in the Champions League last 16, and Saliba's timely return would provide a significant boost to their chances.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta had expressed concern over the extent of William Saliba's hamstring injury after the match against Aston Villa, citing his limited options due to the absence of several key players. However, Arteta has provided a more positive update on Saliba's expected return to action, stating that he hopes to have the defender back before the Premier League clash against Manchester City on February 2nd. When asked about Saliba's potential return, Arteta replied, “Yes, I hope so. He's evolving well. The last few days he was feeling much better already, but this game comes a little bit too early for him.”

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Arsenal is well-positioned to qualify directly for the Champions League last 16, sitting third in the 36-team table with the top eight teams progressing to the next round. A victory against Dinamo Zagreb should secure a top-eight finish with one game to spare, ahead of their final league phase match against Girona. Arteta acknowledged the team's strong position, saying, “So far we've done really well, we're in a really strong position. Now it's time to capitalise at home on the work that we've done for many months.”

The Gunners have been severely impacted by injuries, particularly in attacking areas. Bukayo Saka is not expected to return before March after undergoing hamstring surgery, and Gabriel Jesus will miss the remainder of the season due to an anterior cruciate ligament tear. Arteta has publicly emphasized the need to reinforce his forward options but stated that he is not getting “distracted” by speculation with two weeks remaining in the January transfer window. He commented, “I understand it. It happens as well in the summer, I get a lot of people texting me, you're after him and this and that, I don't even know what they're talking about. I don't follow up too much, I have enough work to do with a lot of things, so I don't get too distracted with it.”