Journalist says he’s now heard something different about William Saliba’s injury at Arsenal

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Arsenal fans will be hoping that their side do not face a repeat of their injury woes from last season.

Kai Havertz has undergone surgery following a knee injury picked up after the opening game at Manchester United.

Bukayo Saka is out for a month with a hamstring injury, after captain Martin Odegaard had picked up a shoulder knock in the same game against Leeds.

William Saliba missed international duty with France after also picking up an ankle problem in the opening minutes of Arsenal’s defeat to Liverpool. After an initial assessment of the defender missing a month, Charles Watts has provided a different update.

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Charles Watts questions William Saliba’s injury return time frame

Speaking to Sports Mole, journalist Watts has revealed that he is not ‘absolutely confident’ on reports that Saliba will miss up to a month with an ankle problem.

It was reported Saliba would miss a month of action and Mikel Arteta was already deciding whether to replace the French star with Cristhian Mosquera or Ben White.

However, Watts stated: “Just on those reports from France. I haven’t had anything confirmed yet, but from sort of conversations I’ve had about those reports that was just like I’ve kind of been I’m not absolutely confident that that time frame is correct.

“It might be, but certainly from sort of conversations I’ve had, I’ve kind of been steered away from  following that time frame. Who knows? That might be worse. It might be longer. It might be shorter.”

With Nottingham Forest arriving at the Emirates Stadium in the next Premier League clash and the Champions League resuming, Arteta will be hoping to be able to call upon Saliba as soon as possible.

Arsenal have no reason to rush William Saliba’s return

Unlike in recent seasons, Saliba’s absence is not as costly as the Gunners now have the squad depth to cope with his injury.

Mosquera impressed Arsenal fans with his performance against Liverpool, especially after entering the field within the first five minutes of the game.

White has partnered Gabriel Magalhaes in the past and the two know each other’s games inside out should Arteta choose to go with the England international.

Arsenal enter a crucial period as they look to keep pace with Liverpool at the top of the league and want to start strong in Europe. Saliba’s absence is a blow but not as fatal as it may have been in the past.