William Saliba injury could now block Arsenal transfer exit as Mikel Arteta ace linked with several clubs

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Arsenal’s ongoing injury crisis could be set to cause a huge knock-on effect when it comes to their January transfer business.

The Gunners have been covering for a few high-profile absences in recent weeks, with William Saliba’s injury the latest to join the long list of issues.

The centre-back is facing a spell on the sidelines, with a return to action from a hamstring problem not expected until the early weeks of February.

Saliba’s absence may well impact the current squad available to Mikel Arteta, not least when it comes to those Arsenal players linked with a transfer exit this month.

As a result, the injuries may well block one player from leaving the club in the weeks ahead.

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William Saliba’s injury could stop Jakub Kiwior’s Arsenal transfer exit

With Saliba set to miss two weeks with injury, his return may not come about until after the January transfer deadline passes in early February.

As the Frenchman is out, there are a few options to replace him in the team, with Jurrien Timber being the latest to play at centre-back in his absence.

There is also an opportunity for Jakub Kiwior, who has struggled to cement his place in the first team over the season so far.

The defender has had a couple of opportunities to fill in at the back, but has failed to win over Mikel Arteta so far.

As a result, Kiwior has been linked with a transfer exit, with clubs in Serie A reported to be particularly fond of the star.

While it’s claimed that Arsenal have no intention of selling Kiwior, the recent injury to Saliba may only reinforce that stance further.

With depth being a real problem in the side, keeping hold of the Poland international will be crucial for the challenge ahead.

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Jakub Kiwior could be key to Arsenal’s season hopes

If Saliba is facing time out for two weeks or even beyond, then Kiwior could be crucial to how the season develops.

Crucial games in the Champions League and Premier League await, while there’s a chance he could be called into action in the crunch Carabao Cup semi-final second leg.

If so, then Arsenal may be dependent on Kiwior helping them get through the coming run of fixtures that will shape the season.

Poor results could all but end the campaign’s hopes of ending in silverware, while a few wins may change all of that.

For that reason, a transfer exit now seems even more unlikely than before.