Injury expert gives fresh verdict on William Saliba with Arsenal concern

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Arsenal star William Saliba could face a spell on the sidelines if his ankle injury ends up being a bad one.

The Frenchman has been a mainstay in Mikel Arteta’s team in recent seasons, with his impact often felt most when he is missing.

Saliba’s injury against Liverpool then comes as a worry, as he had to be substituted off after just five minutes of action.

The Arsenal star is believed to have picked up the problem during the pre-match warm-up, but tried to push through the pain to start.

He was unable to do that, though, and now there are some concerns for how long he could be missing.

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William Saliba could make quick return to Arsenal action after injury

Saliba’s withdrawal from the France squad has only furthered fears that the defender could face a long spell out injury.

However, there is some hope that he could be back almost immediately after the international break.

That’s because injury expert Physio Scout on X gave some insight into the injury, suggesting it may not be as bad as first feared.

“The video mechanism doesn’t point to anything major,” they claim, while going into some details of the injury.

“If confirmed to be a lateral ankle sprain, it would add up as ankle sprains are often very painful initially, but can ease off quickly. His belief that he could continue suggests the pain initially settled enough for him to try playing on, but it flared up again within the first five minutes, forcing him off.

“Saliba has withdrawn himself from the French squad, but this doesn’t necessarily mean it’s ‘bad’.

“Lateral ankle sprains are usually less serious than they appear, resulting in a relatively fast recovery (if grade 1). If unserious, we expect him back after the international break. However, this is under the assumption that it’s a lateral ankle sprain.”

It remains to be seen what the exact issue is for Saliba, as he was seen hobbling through the mixed zone after Arsenal’s defeat to Liverpool.

With some key games coming up, many will be hopeful that he can make a return to action soon.

If he is out for long than that, then Arteta will need to turn to one of his summer signings once again.

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Cristhian Mosquera proved he is ready to replace William Saliba

While there is a clear downside for Arsenal with Saliba’s injury potentially sidelining him, they are fortunate that Andrea Berta has recruited well in the transfer window.

The sporting director has spent heavily, but he has spread that across several different positions, looking to add those players who can cover for if injuries strike again.

Cristhian Mosquera’s display against Liverpool proved that he is plenty capable of replacing Saliba in the short-term.

If he can follow up that display with some other impressive displays, then that fee paid for him will look like a bargain.