Arsenal defender William Saliba is expected to be sidelined for three to four weeks after suffering an ankle injury during the goalless draw with Liverpool at Anfield, The Sporting News understands.
The 24-year-old centre-back limped off in the first half of the early-season clash and was immediately withdrawn from the France squad for their September World Cup qualifiers.
It’s understood that initial scans have revealed damage which is not thought to be serious, but the setback is still likely to rule him out until after the October international break.
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is preparing to be without Saliba for a demanding run of fixtures that will test the depth of his squad.
Arteta’s side face Nottingham Forest this weekend before travelling to Spain to face Athletic Club in their Champions League league-phase opener on Tuesday.
The visit of Manchester City to the Emirates on 21 September, where Saliba has previously been pivotal in containing Erling Haaland, is a game which the Frenchman remains doubtful for.
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Arsenal must also contend with a trip to Newcastle United on 29 September, a fixture where they have struggled in recent seasons.
Saliba’s absence through injury during the title run-in two seasons ago ultimately cost Arsenal the Premier League title, however, Arsenal believe they are better prepared this time.
Summer signing Cristhian Mosquera impressed after stepping in at Anfield, keeping Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike quiet on his Premier League debut.
The 21-year-old Spaniard is expected to feature heavily in Saliba’s absence, with Gabriel Magalhaes providing the experience alongside him.
Saliba’s injury will be monitored closely by both Arsenal and France, but there is optimism that he will avoid a lengthy spell on the sidelines and return to action next month.
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