William Saliba To Miss Arsenal-Manchester City Clash

Arsenal’s William Saliba has been ruled out of Manchester City clash as a result of his back injury.

Ahead of the top-of-the-table clash at the Etihad, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta confirmed: “There’s not been a real improvement unfortunately on him, so we are still waiting. It’ll be another week that has gone by and he hasn’t been able to train with the team.”

Arteta also revealed that Granit Xhaka, who missed Friday’s draw with Southampton due to illness, remains a doubt.

Saliba has missed Arsenal’s last five games after picking up an injury against Sporting Lisbon in their Europa League tie last month.

Rob Holding has started in the 22-year-old’s absence and the Gunners have failed to keep a clean sheet during that period

They have conceded nine goals – seven of which have come in the last three matches – and after big home wins against Crystal Palace and Leeds, Arteta’s side are on a run of three consecutive draws which has hindered their chances of securing a first league title since 2004.

The Gunners still sit five points ahead of Man City at the top of the Premier League table, but Pep Guardiola’s side have two games in hand and welcome the Gunners to the Etihad Stadium in a potential title decider on Wednesday.