Arsenal Dealt Huge Blow As Key Player ruled out of Arsenal's clash with Leeds due to ongoing back injury

Israel Oluwaseg Lawal

Arsenal’s William Saliba will not play against Leeds due to a back injury, but manager Mikel Arteta is hopeful he will return before season’s end.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has provided an update on William Saliba’s injury status, revealing that the French defender will not be available for their Premier League clash against Leeds United due to ongoing discomfort in his back.

Saliba sustained the injury during Arsenal’s clash against Sporting CP and has been unable to recover in time for the upcoming fixture. However, Arteta remains optimistic that the talented centre-back will return to action before the end of the campaign.

Speaking on Saliba’s condition, Arteta stated: “Back injuries are a bit tricky and how they evolve. Let’s push it and see how he copes with that. He’s so willing to be back in the team.”

While the 20-year-old is making progress, he is still experiencing discomfort in his back, ruling him out of contention for the match against Leeds. Arsenal’s medical team is working diligently to help Saliba regain full fitness, but his return date remains uncertain.