William Saliba is willing to risk further injury to return for Arsenal’s title run-in
William Saliba is willing to risk further aggravating his back injury to return for Arsenal’s title fight… as the French defender races to be fit for the Gunners’ all-or-nothing match at Man City
- William Saliba is out for a month after a back injury
- Arsenal were cautious about his recovery, but missed the Frenchman
- Saliba is willing to take a risk to get back on the field for his side’s title fight
William Saliba is ready to put his body on the line to play in Arsenal’s title fight, despite concerns over injury complications if he is sent back urgently.
The main centre-back was missed for four weeks after limping in The Gunners’ home leg against Sporting Lisbon in the Europa League on March 16. .
The defender enters a crucial period in his recovery from a lower back injury, with the coming days determining his availability for Friday’s game against Southampton and next Wednesday’s make-or-break title challenge at Manchester City.
Sources have indicated that the injury requires daily management, indicating that his recovery is not entirely straightforward.
There is hope that Saliba can step up his rehabilitation soon, boss Arteta indicated on Friday that the central defender is expected to train on the grass again this week.
William Saliba has not played for more than four weeks after injuring his lower back last month
Saliba is ready to put his body on the line for the title fight, but Mikel Arteta has to decide whether to rush him back or not
Arsenal will face Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City next week in a match Saliba is eager to play in
However, Mail Sport understands that due to the complexities associated with the problem that has kept the France international out of the team’s previous four matches, Gunners’ medics are cautious about his recovery.
Due to the nature of the injury, speeding up the recovery process may cause a bigger problem in the future.
However, given the Gunners are in position to win their first Premier League title since 2004 and Saliba’s importance to the team, it is recognized that it is worth having him available as soon as possible.
Indeed, Saliba would be determined to prove his fitness, particularly for the potential title decider at the Etihad Stadium, despite the fallout from a flare-up.
There is an acknowledgment within the Arsenal camp that meeting City could ultimately decide the destiny of the Premier League title and having Saliba available would be a big boost.
The Gunners drew their previous two games – against Liverpool and West Ham – giving up a two-goal lead on both occasions; results meaning City retain the title if they win all their remaining games.
Likewise, Arsenal can also be crowned champions if they win their remaining seven games, including the game against City.
But The Gunners’ recent defensive shortcomings have underscored Saliba’s importance to Arteta’s starting eleven, but it remains to be seen whether the club is willing to take any risks with his return from injury.
