Mikel Arteta revealed William Saliba twisted his ankle in the warm-up before Arsenal’s 1-0 loss to Liverpool. Saliba tried to play but had to be subbed off early. The injury compounds Arsenal’s disappointment after their first defeat against a Big Six team in 23 Premier League games. The extent of Saliba’s injury is still being assessed.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has shed light on the unfortunate injury sustained by key defender William Saliba during the pre-match warm-up against Liverpool. The revelation came after the Gunners suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat at Anfield, a match decided by a stunning free-kick from Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai.
Speaking to the media after the game, Arteta faced a barrage of questions, one of which centered on the early substitution of Saliba in the sixth minute. The Arsenal boss explained that Saliba had twisted his ankle during the warm-up but initially felt he could play through the discomfort.
"He twisted his ankle during the warm-up, and he came in and he said he believed that he could carry on and play," Arteta revealed. "But straight away in the first two actions, I could see that he couldn't cope, and we had to get him out unfortunately."
The loss against Liverpool marked Arsenal's first defeat against a fellow 'Big Six' club in the Premier League in their last 23 attempts, leaving the team and its supporters bitterly disappointed. The absence of Saliba early in the match undoubtedly impacted Arsenal's defensive stability, forcing Arteta to make an unplanned tactical adjustment.
Saliba's injury is a concern for Arsenal as they navigate a crucial stage of the season. The extent of the injury is yet to be fully assessed, and the club will be hoping for a swift recovery for the young defender. His presence in the backline has been a stabilizing force, and his absence could pose a challenge for Arteta's side in the upcoming matches.
The game itself was a tightly contested affair, with Liverpool ultimately edging out Arsenal thanks to Szoboszlai's exceptional free-kick. Despite the defeat, Arsenal showed resilience and determination, but they were unable to break down Liverpool's defense. The match highlighted the competitive nature of the Premier League and the fine margins that often separate the top teams.
Arteta will be keen to address the issues that contributed to the loss and ensure that his team bounces back strongly in their next fixture. The injury to Saliba adds another layer of complexity to Arsenal's preparations, and the manager will need to find a solution to maintain defensive solidity in his absence.
The Arsenal medical staff will be working diligently to assess Saliba's injury and provide the necessary treatment to facilitate his recovery. The club will be providing updates on his condition in the coming days. In the meantime, Arteta will be exploring alternative defensive options to ensure that Arsenal remains competitive in the Premier League.
The defeat against Liverpool serves as a valuable learning experience for Arsenal, highlighting areas where they need to improve. Arteta will be using this as motivation to help the players to come back stronger and more determined in the forthcoming games. The team have shown glimpses of their ability, and their determination to compete at the highest level remains unwavering.
As Arsenal looks forward, the focus will be on ensuring that the team maintains its confidence and momentum, while also addressing any tactical or personnel issues that arise. The Premier League is a demanding competition, and Arsenal will need to be at their best to achieve its goals. With Arteta at the helm, the club remains committed to its pursuit of excellence and is confident that they will be able to overcome challenges and emerge stronger.
The Gunners will be hoping that Saliba's injury isn't too serious. He has developed into a key player at the back for Arsenal and his absence will be felt. Arteta will be hoping that other players can step up in his absence. Arsenal have shown resilience in the past and will be hoping to do so again.