Arsenal could take a fitness blow to William Saliba, with the defender still doubtful for the London derby at West Ham with a back injury… but Eddie Nketiah will return to the sidelines for the league leaders after a month
William Saliba remains a doubt for Arsenal’s trip to West Ham on Sunday, but Mikel Arteta could be boosted by the return of striker Eddie Nketiah.
Saliba, 22, started all of Arsenal’s Premier League games this season before suffering a back injury in last month’s Europa League defeat to Sporting.
He has since missed their last three games, with Rob Holding stepping in to partner Gabriel in the heart of Arteta’s back four.
The nature of the back injuries means Arsenal have been hesitant to give a timeline for his return, but the defender could miss this weekend’s tour of London.
William Saliba remains a doubt for Arsenal ahead of the game against West Ham United
Saliba has missed Arsenal’s last three games after suffering a back injury in March
But the Gunners could see a return for striker Eddie Nketiah from injury at the London Stadium
Nketiah, meanwhile, is nearing a return from an ankle injury. The striker has not played since March 1, but it is clear there is a chance he could be back in the squad this weekend or against Southampton next week.
Arsenal don’t want to rush Saliba and Holding’s performance has made that easier. The leader has been undefeated in recent weeks without Saliba.
Holding started their recent wins over Crystal Palace and Leeds, and the draw against Liverpool on Sunday, when he was awarded a penalty for a challenge on Diogo Jota.