Mikel Arteta should now call up the new William Saliba from Arsenal’s Academy after Gabriel Magalhaes injury

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal’s season is in danger of succumbing to yet more injury devastation.

Gabriel Magalhaes is out for the season following a hamstring injury sustained against Fulham whilst there are also fitness concerns over Jurrien Timber.

Riccardo Calafiori was injured playing for Italy and in the recent Premier League win Ben White was absent from the Arsenal squad due to a ‘niggle’ in his knee.

Mikel Arteta is now left facing a defensive crisis just as his attack starts to take shape once again following the return of Bukayo Saka, he does have some options though in his Hale End conveyor belt of talent.

READ MORE: Arsenal fans are all saying the same thing after Gabriel Magalhaes is ruled out for the season through injury

Arsenal academy star Marli Salmon eligible for Premier League

With William Saliba and Jakub Kiwior the only current fit centre backs in Arteta’s squad, there could be an opportunity for an academy star to make their mark in the Arsenal first-team squad.

As per Gunners academy expert Jeorge Bird on his X account, one of those prospects could be Marli Salmon who has been earning rave reviews for his performances in the U21 and U18 sides.

Arsenal fans were impressed with Salmon during the U21’s recent victory over Norwich and at just 15 years old, he has a promising future in the game.

Salmon has been compared to Saliba for his calm and composed style on the ball but also his huge physical presence and aggressive nature in his defending – he may get the chance to showcase that alongside the French international before the end of the season.

William Saliba’s importance just doubled for Arsenal

Saliba and Gabriel have formed a formidable partnership for Arsenal not just this season but over the last few campaigns and now the French star will have to demonstrate his leadership qualities in an inexperienced back line.

Kiwior is likely to partner Saliba for the Champions League clash with Real Madrid and keeping the likes of Kylian Mbappe at bay will require a real team effort.

Arsenal fans will be hoping that one Timber, White or even both can recover in time for the Madrid clash to avoid Thomas Partey having to play out of position at right back.

The Gunners have had to deal with injury blows all season and one thing that supporters can be assured of is that the side will put every ounce of effort they have into seizing control of the tie.