Arsenal defender William Saliba 'expected to miss Man City clash'

William Saliba is expected to miss Arsenal's clash against Manchester City in a major blow for supporters.

Mikel Arteta's title ambitions took a major hit on Sunday afternoon, after his side drew 2-2 with West Ham on a day that will feel like two points dropped.

The Gunners looked to be in cruise control after going 2-0 up inside 10 minutes, but a clumsy challenge from Gabriel Magalhaes gifted Said Benrahma the opportunity from the penalty spot, which he didn't pass up.

Bukayo Saka was unable to keep his cool at the other end, firing his spot kick wide of the target before Jarrod Bowen got the Hammers back on level terms.

The day got off to a bad start after Oleksandr Zinchenko was ruled out of action with a groin issue, while they were also without Saliba for the contest.

And things could go from bad to worse after it was revealed that the match at the Etihad will come too soon for Saliba.

Saliba set to miss Man City clash

Saliba limped off the field during Arsenal's Europa League defeat to Sporting Lisbon after an awkward fall on his back, and has not featured for the Gunners since.

While The Evening Standard claim that 'the trip to Manchester City looks like it will come too soon' for the Frenchman, who is targeting his return around the final games of the season.

Last week, Arteta offered an update on Saliba, saying: “He’s progressing well and we’re hopeful that we’ll have him available in the next few weeks. We’ll have to see.”

The report also provided an update on Zinchenko, whose presence was sorely missed at the London Stadium.

It is thought that the 26-year-old will be fit in time to face Southampton on Friday night after a slight muscle problem.

Speaking on the weekend, Arteta revealed: “He had a muscular issue at the end of the match at Anfield last week, he struggled in the last few minutes. We assessed him, he wasn’t fit enough to play.”