Arsenal ready to block William Saliba from playing against Man City as injury fears revealed

Arsenal are ready to block William Saliba from playing against Manchester City.

Having drawn their last three games, Arsenal travel to the Etihad on Wednesday knowing they desperately need a win to claim the Premier League.

While City are five points behind Mikel Arteta’s side, they have two games in hand and know that if they win all their remaining fixtures they will retain the title.

Of course, the Gunners can say the same, though a victory at the Etihad appears a tall task.

Arsenal have not won at City since 2015 while Pep Guardiola’s men are unbeaten in 16 games in all competitions.

And it appears Arsenal will be without Saliba for the potentially defining match in the Premier League title race.

Saliba injury update

According to the Mail Online, Arsenal have major concerns over Saliba’s lower back injury due to “structural damage” which could see him subjected to a long-term injury layoff should he play again this season.

Last week the publication claimed that the 22-year-old was ready to push through the pain barrier to play in Arsenal’s title run-in despite concerns a return would have long-term injury implications.

However, Arsenal are “desperate” to avoid that scenario and have been cautious with the French international while plotting his return.

Indeed, Salba will not be available to face Guardiola’s side having failed to show sufficient progress in his recovery.

Arsenal were first rocked by the Saliba injury in the first half of their Europa League last-16 second leg against Sporting Lisbon in March, and his absence has coincided with a drop in form.

The Gunners were knocked out that night on penalties and while they saw off a then-managerless Crystal Palace and an out-of-form Leeds side since, they have also been held by Liverpool, West Ham United and Southampton in that time.

In their five fixtures without Saliba Arsenal have won nine points from a possible 15 and conceded nine goals.