Arsenal hit by huge blow as William Saliba ruled out with ankle injury sustained against Liverpool

Liverpool v Arsenal - Premier League

Arsenal are set to be without William Saliba for three to four weeks according to reports, after the French defender came off injured against Liverpool.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Reported by L'Equipe in France, Saliba may miss up to a month of action after an ankle injury sustained early on at Anfield. Currently absent for his national side during the international break, the report states Saliba is set to miss several weeks for Arsenal in a blow for Mikel Arteta's side. Arteta revealed that the injury initially took place in the warm-up before Saliba was allowed to continue and start the match - a decision the Spaniard may now regret.

Liverpool v Arsenal - Premier League

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Having been defeated 1-0 by the champions at Anfield, to lose one of their most important players for an extended period of time due to the match will be a bitter pill to swallow. Arsenal signed young centre-back Cristhian Mosquera over the summer as cover and the 21-year-old may now be thrust into the side as the Gunners look to return to winning ways.

DID YOU KNOW?

Saliba picked up a serious back injury in March 2023 and was out for the remainder of the season, a blow which ultimately derailed Arsenal's title hopes as their lead at the top of the table was surrendered to Manchester City in the final weeks of the season. Gunners fans will hope that Arteta's focus on strengthening their reserve options since then will mean that the 24-year-old's latest injury will not have a similar impact this time around.

Liverpool v Arsenal - Premier League

WHAT NEXT FOR SALIBA AND ARSENAL?

Within a three-to-four-week timeline, Saliba will aim to be back in action for Arsenal's trip to Newcastle United on September 28 or for Olympiacos' visit to the Emirates three days later. In the meantime, he is set to miss a crunch fixture against Manchester City and the Gunners' opening Champions League fixture of the season at Athletic Club. Mosquera or Piero Hancapie are likely to be tasked with stepping up in his absence.