Arsenal suffer title blow with Saliba and Zinchenko ruled out for the season

William Saliba and Oleksandr Zinchenko have been ruled out for the rest of the season in a major blow to Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes, according to The Athletic.

Both defenders have been essential to the Gunners' title bid this season, but Mikel Arteta will be without the pair for the rest of the campaign due to injury.

Saliba suffered a back injury in Arsenal's Europa League last-16 defeat to Sporting Lisbon in March, and has not featured for the club since.

The Frenchman has been a rock at the back for Arsenal this term, making 33 appearances before his setback.

Meanwhile Zinchenko limped off during Sunday’s 2-0 victory over Newcastle United with a calf issue, and his injury would appear worse than originally thought.

The good news is neither player will require surgery, claim The Athletic, but their absence will come as a real blow to supporters.

Jakub Kiwior is likely to retain his place alongside Gabriel Magalhaes in the heart of defence, following an assured performance against Newcastle on the weekend.

While Kieran Tierney will undoubtedly deputise for Zinchenko at left-back.

Just weeks ago, Arsenal were in pole position for the Premier League title. However, consecutive draws against Liverpool, West Ham and Southampton gifted Manchester City a route back in.

A 4-1 humbling at the Etihad completed Pep Guardiola's comeback, with the Spaniard in line for his third successive league title.

Arsenal remain just one point behind first-placed Manchester City, although Guardiola's men have an all-important game in hand over the north London side with just four games to go.

The Gunners face Brighton next in the league as Arteta looks to keep the pressure on the reigning champions.