William Saliba is ready to put his body on the line to play in Arsenal‘s title run-in despite concerns of injury complications if he is rushed back.
The key central defender has missed four weeks after limping off during the Gunners’ home clash against Sporting Lisbon in the Europa League on March 16 – his absence coinciding with a recent blip in form that has seen Mikel Arteta’s team drop crucial points in the championship race.
The defender is entering a crucial period in his recovery from a lower back complaint, with the next few days key in determining his availability for Friday’s game versus Southampton and next Wednesday’s make-or-break title clash at Manchester City.
Sources have indicated that the injury requires day-to-day management, indicating his recovery is not completely straightforward.
There is hope Saliba can step up his rehabilitation imminently, boss Arteta indicating on Friday that the centre-back is expected to recommence training on the grass this week.
William Saliba has not played in over four weeks after injuring his lower back last month
Saliba is ready to put his body on the line for the title run-in, but Mikel Arteta must decide whether to rush him back or not
Arsenal face Pep Guardiola’s Man City next week in a game Saliba is desperate to play in
However, Mail Sport understands that complexities connected to the problem that has kept the France international out of the team’s previous four matches means Gunners medics are taking a cautious approach to his recovery.
The nature of the injury means accelerating the recovery process could create a more substantial issue in the future.
However, given the Gunners are in a position to win their first Premier League title since 2004 and Saliba’s importance to the team, there is an acknowledgement that having him available as quickly as possible could be a risk worth taking.
Indeed, Saliba is said to be determined to prove his fitness, particularly for the potential title decider at the Etihad Stadium, despite the consequences of a flare-up.
There is an acknowledgement within the Arsenal camp that the clash at City could ultimately decide the destination of the Premier League title and having Saliba available would prove a major boost.
The Gunners have drawn their previous two matches – against Liverpool and West Ham – relinquishing two-goal leads on both occasions; results that mean City will retain the title if they win all their remaining matches.
Equally, Arsenal can also be crowned champions if they win their remaining seven games, including the game at City.
But the Gunners’ recent defensive deficiencies have underlined the importance of Saliba to Arteta’s starting XI but it remains to be seen whether the club are willing to take any chances with his return from injury.
source: dailymail.co.uk
