Arsenal’s return to winning ways against Newcastle was marred by the injury to William Saliba, who failed to reappear for the second half of the match. The Frenchman, making his 100th Premier League appearance for the Gunners, was substituted at the break due to a suspected muscle problem. Riccardo Calafiori came on to replace him, as fans were left concerned by Saliba’s absence from the tunnel after half-time.
Mikel Arteta confirmed the injury post-match but provided few details at the time. However, we now have a clearer picture of the situation, including confirmation that Saliba will not feature again this season.
Arteta confirms Saliba to miss season finale
Speaking on Arsenal website, Arteta revealed that Saliba had pulled his hamstring during the match against Newcastle. The defender is expected to be sidelined for a few weeks and has been ruled out of Arsenal’s final game of the campaign.
It brings an early end to what has been an outstanding individual season for Saliba, who has been a cornerstone of the Gunners’ defence. The match against Newcastle was also a historic one for the 23-year-old. With the 4–0 win, Saliba became the player with the most victories in their first 100 Premier League appearances for Arsenal, reaching a remarkable tally of 68 wins.
That figure, along with his consistent performances throughout the season, further cements his importance to Arteta’s back line.
Calafiori to step in as Timber also sidelined
Although Saliba’s absence will be noted, it is unlikely to be decisive. Arsenal’s final fixture against Southampton is a dead rubber, with second place virtually secured thanks to their superior goal difference. Riccardo Calafiori is expected to start in Saliba’s place, and based on his assured second-half showing against Newcastle, the Gunners should be well covered.
In additional injury news, Arteta also confirmed that Jurrien Timber has undergone surgery on his ankle. The Dutchman will now be out for several weeks as well. The club will be hoping to have both defenders fully fit during the off-season as preparations begin for the new campaign.
Thoughts on Saliba’s record, Gooners?
BENJAMIN KENNETH
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Apart from Spurs, my other least favourite word is hamstrings.
Does the articles picture show the very moment Saka put teammate Saliba out for the rest of the season?
Saka did Saliba’s hamstring? How did he manage that?
I think that is a stock photo. Looks more like a goal celebration
SueP,
I know what your two favorite letter’s are. G & T anyone. 😂👍😉
If Arsenal had reached the UCL final v Inter Milan, it would have been playing without the two established CBs in Maghales and Saliba which means annihilation at the final by a rampant Inter Milan strikers who managed to score loads of goals v Barcelona. Good riddance maybe not to be a finalist!
But the owner should have forseen this happening and bought another squad of players to help MA out 😀😀
I disagree.
You want to be in a final. The loss of those players would be difficult to manage but not impossible.
So now you agree that Arteta should have bought more defenders to cover for Saliba, Gabriel, Timber, White, Tomiyasu, Calofiori etc?
Many were besides themselves that Arteta dared to buy Calofiori in the summer. Or may be he should have bought more Defenders after how this season has gone for our defence.
😊👍
Many of the criticisms really don’t make much sense e.g. claiming that it was a waste or unnecessary to bring in Calafiori.
One thing for another.
Maybe if we reached the CL final with a decimated squad we would not win it, and at the same time with this problem we could not get the qualification for the CL position in the Premier and that would be a real disaster.
It’s all of no consequence now, we’ve got second bar a ridiculous high score by M City and calamitous defeat by us to Southampton and playing Saliba with a hammy could rule him out for the start of next season. We’ve got more than adequate cover for both Gabriel and Saliba.