Arsenal have been dealt a significant setback with the news that star centre-back William Saliba is expected to miss up to seven matches following an ankle injury sustained just minutes into their 1–0 defeat at Anfield. The Frenchman’s absence threatens to disrupt the Gunners’ defensive rhythm during a crucial stretch of fixtures across three competitions.
🩺 Saliba’s Injury Timeline
According to reports from L’Equipe, Saliba is likely to be sidelined for three to four weeks, ruling him out of both club and international duty. He’ll miss France’s October fixtures against Azerbaijan and Iceland, and more pressingly for Arsenal, a demanding run of games that includes:
| Fixture | Competition | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Nottingham Forest (H) | Premier League | Sept 13 |
| Athletic Bilbao (A) | Champions League | Sept 16 |
| Manchester City (H) | Premier League | Sept 21 |
| Port Vale (A) | Carabao Cup | Sept 24 |
| Newcastle United (A) | Premier League | Sept 28 |
| Olympiacos (H) | Champions League | Oct 1 |
| West Ham United (H) | Premier League | Oct 4 |
If recovery goes as expected, Saliba could return for the trip to Fulham on October 18.
🧠 Arteta’s Defensive Options
Saliba’s partnership with Gabriel Magalhães has been central to Arsenal’s defensive solidity, and his absence will force Mikel Arteta into a tactical rethink. Fortunately, the Gunners have depth and versatility at the back.
🔄 Cristian Mosquera
- The 23-year-old summer signing from Valencia impressed off the bench at Anfield.
- While a natural replacement, his international commitments — including a World Cup qualifier against Argentina — may limit his availability for the Nottingham Forest clash.
🛡️ Riccardo Calafiori & Jurrien Timber
- Both full-backs are capable of slotting into central defence.
- Timber has started the season strongly and could move inside, allowing Ben White to return at right-back.
- Calafiori partnering Gabriel would likely see Myles Lewis-Skelly deployed at left-back — a role he’s handled with maturity beyond his years.
Arteta’s flexibility in reshaping his backline will be crucial, especially with Manchester City and Newcastle looming.
🔍 Transfer Buzz & Title Talk
Off the pitch, Arsenal remain active in the market. Reports suggest the club is pursuing a top-tier German midfielder who previously rejected Manchester United — a potential coup for Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta.
Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappé has weighed in on Arsenal’s title prospects, offering a glowing assessment of their chances this season. And Real Madrid have reportedly named their price for Rodrygo, a player Arsenal eyed during the summer window.
🔮 What’s Next?
Saliba’s injury is a blow, but Arsenal’s squad depth and tactical adaptability may soften the impact. With Champions League nights returning and Premier League ambitions burning bright, the next few weeks will test the Gunners’ mettle — and could define their season.
Arteta’s reshuffle begins now.
