Arsenal fans spot one key player absent from training – he could miss Aston Villa clash

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Arsenal face a pivotal period in the title race as they welcome former manager Unai Emery to the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal could move to within one point of leaders Liverpool should results go their way however, Aston Villa boss Unai Emery is unbeaten at the Emirates Stadium since leaving the Gunners in 2019.

Mikel Arteta knows the importance of continuing momentum from the North London Derby victory and Arteta has urged Arsenal fans to continue to create a ‘biting’ atmosphere as they did against Spurs.

With injuries to Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus, Arsenal are depleted in forward areas and it seems that eagle-eyed fans have also notice a worrying absentee from the latest training session.

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William Saliba absent from Arsenal training amid injury fears

William Saliba was not spotted in the latest official Arsenal training photos ahead of the Premier League clash with Aston Villa amid fears that he tweaked a hamstring in the final stages against Tottenham Hotspur.

Several fans seemed to spot Saliba pull up short after a driving run from defence in the last few minutes of the previous match and then give a worrying look over to the Arsenal bench.

The French international was able to carry on and see out the remainder of the victory but with Riccardo Calafiori a doubt for the Villa clash and Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu only just returning from long-term injuries, Saliba’s absence would be a real worry for Arteta.

Alongside Gabriel Magalhaes, Saliba has been rock-solid for Arsenal this season but has carried out a heavy workload, already making 30 appearances in all competitions for the Gunners.

Jurrien Timber could replace Saliba at centre back

Boss Arteta does have some options available should Saliba be forced to miss the visit of Aston Villa. Polish defender Jakub Kiwior could slot in alongside Gabriel but hasn’t featured for the Gunners Kiwior produced a poor performance against Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup.

Another option is to play Jurrien Timber at centre back but this would mean the probable selection of a midfielder Thomas Partey at right back. Arsenal have a ‘shocking’ record when playing Partey at right back.

Timber certainly has the athleticism and defensive intelligence to fill in for Saliba, Arsenal would however miss his drive from the fullback position.

Moving Partey to right back also takes out his control from the midfield area with under-fire Mikel Merino likely to come in alongside Declan Rice.

It is a huge decision for Arteta ahead of a potentially decisive set of fixtures in the title race. He will need to ensure that whatever selection he chooses creates the right balance both defensively and going forward.