Mikel Arteta has revealed that an injured William Saliba is set for further tests after Arsenal's draw with Aston Villa.
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Gunners were held by Aston VillaSaliba was missed in defenceDefender will undergo further tests soonFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
The Gunners raced to a 2-0 lead at the Emirates but two second-half strikes from Youri Tielemans and Ollie Watkins forced them to share the spoils. Saliba has been a consistent performer this campaign but Arteta could not name him in the matchday squad as the defender picked up an injury during Wednesday’s win over Tottenham. Instead, Jurrien Timber slotted in at the heart of defence alongside Gabriel.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Before the Villa clash, Arsenal revealed that the Brazilian has a "minor issue" while explaining the sudden absence of Saliba. However, Arteta had something different to say about the defender after the Villa draw.
WHAT ARTETA SAID
When Arteta was asked about Saliba's condition, he said: "No, not yet. I think tomorrow we will have more information, we will have another test on him and we will be more clear about that."
The Spaniard admitted that it is a concerning situation and added: "Yeah, for sure, especially with the numbers that we have in the squad and looking at our bench – very worried.”
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?
Arsenal are now six points behind leaders Liverpool in the Premier League standings and will be back in action against Wolves in the English top-flight on January 25. However, before that, they have a Champions League clash against Dinamo Zagreb to contend with on Wednesday evening.
