'Unfortunately...' - Arteta breaks silence on Saliba injury while Gunners midfielder a doubt ahead of Man City clash

Mikel Arteta gave an update on William Saliba's injury ahead of Arsenal's crucial clash with Manchester City.

Having drawn their last three games, the Gunners travel to the Etihad on Wednesday knowing they desperately need a win to have a chance of claiming the Premier League.

While City are five points adrift of Arteta’s men, they have two games in hand and are on an imperious 16 game unbeaten run.

Meanwhile, Arsenal's dip in form has coincided with a back injury Saliba sustained in the first half of the club's Europa League last-16 second leg against Sporting Lisbon in March.

The Gunners were knocked out that night on penalties and while they subsequently saw off Crystal Palace and Leeds United, they have also been held by Liverpool, West Ham United and Southampton.

In the five fixtures without Saliba the north Londoners have won nine points from a possible 15 and conceded nine goals.

And it emerged in the Mail Online on Monday that Arsenal have major concerns over Saliba's lower back injury due to “structural damage” which could see the player subjected to a long-term injury layoff should he play again this season.

Arteta on Saliba

In his press conference Arteta opened up on Saliba's injury.

The Gunners boss said, ahead of the heavyweight City clash: "There’s not been a real improvement unfortunately on him so we’re still waiting.

"We’re still hopeful but another week has gone by and he hasn’t been able to play."

Arteta added it was likely Saliba would also be absent for Arsenal's encounter against Chelsea next week.

The Spaniard continued: "At the moment we don’t have him and we're preparing this game without him. Probably the next game (Chelsea) will come too soon as well."

Arteta also confirmed that Granit Xhaka, who missed Arsenal's game against Southampton on Friday, is a doubt for the City game.