Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has delivered a concerning update on the fitness of several key players, strongly hinting that defender William Saliba will miss Wednesday's Premier League encounter with Brentford.
Saliba and Trossard Face Race Against Time
The Gunners boss provided a cryptic four-man injury bulletin ahead of the midweek fixture. Central defender William Saliba, who travelled with the squad for the 1-1 draw at Chelsea but was omitted due to a training knock, is described as a "matter of days" away from fitness.
When pressed for a specific update on the 24-year-old French international, Arteta remained guarded, stating: "I am not going to be able to help you much today as we have another training session. He had a little niggle but I think it's going to be a matter of days." This timeline makes his availability for the Brentford game highly unlikely.
Forward Leandro Trossard is also in a battle to be fit. The Belgian was forced off in the first half of the Champions League victory over Bayern Munich with a calf issue and underwent further tests last Friday. Arteta confirmed Trossard is similarly a "matter of days" from a return.
Longer-Term Absences for Havertz and Gabriel
The news is more definitive for two other first-team players. Summer signing Kai Havertz, who underwent a minor surgical procedure on his knee in August, is now ruled out for a "matter of weeks". This contradicts Arteta's previous suggestion that the German forward had an outside chance of facing his former club Chelsea.
Fellow defender Gabriel, who is currently sidelined with a thigh injury, is also facing a prolonged spell on the treatment table. "He's doing very well but that's weeks as well," Arteta added, dashing hopes of a swift comeback for the Brazilian centre-back.
Implications for Arsenal's Squad Depth
These injuries present a significant challenge for Arteta as he navigates a congested fixture schedule. The potential absence of Saliba and the confirmed loss of Gabriel depletes Arsenal's central defensive options, while the attacking midfield is weakened without Trossard and Havertz.
The manager's vague timelines, particularly around Saliba and Trossard, will frustrate fans eager for clarity. All eyes will now be on Arsenal's final training session to see if either player can make a miraculous recovery in time to face the Bees at the Emirates Stadium.
