Mikel Arteta reveals another Arsenal star has played his last game this season as ‘colossal’ ace handed fresh injury blow

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Arsenal are preparing for their final game of the 2024-25 campaign away at Southampton.

Declan Rice’s winner against Newcastle at the Emirates Stadium secured Champions League football for next season and now Mikel Arteta’s side need just a point to guarantee second place.

Arsenal hope Jurrien Timber will be back for pre-season after the Dutch defender underwent ankle surgery this week.

Yet, Arsenal’s injury crisis this season seems to be crippling them right up until the final moments of the season as another Gunners star has played his last game this season.

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William Saliba to miss Arsenal’s trip to Southampton

Speaking to Arsenal’s official website, Arteta has confirmed that William Saliba will miss Arsenal’s last game of the season after coming off against Newcastle with a hamstring injury.

Arteta stated: “William [Saliba] is going to be out for a few weeks, unfortunately. He pulled his hamstring against Newcastle, so he’s going to be out for a few weeks.”

The Gunners boss also gave an update on Timber following his surgery, yet another injury blow in a season full of misfortune for the club.

Arteta explained: “Jurrien had surgery yesterday on his ankle, so he’ll be out for a few weeks as well.”

William Saliba’s contract a priority for Arsenal this summer

It has been another impressive season for the French defender in North London, once described as ‘colossal’ by football analyst Ben Mattinson following Real Madrid’s interest in Saliba.

Recent reports claim Arsenal have ‘agreed’ a new contract with Saliba but nothing has been confirmed from the club and it must be one of Andrea Berta’s priorities this summer.

The Gunners cannot afford to lose a player of his quality if they are serious about ending their trophy drought next season.

As for the final game at Southampton, Jakub Kiwior and Riccardo Calafiori will now resume their partnership in central defence after impressing during the second half against Newcastle in the 1-0 win.