Ahead of crucial EPL clash with Manchester City, Arsenal get update on star defender William Saliba

Arsenal will on Wednesday take a trip to the Etihad to engage Manchester City in a crucial Premier League encounter.

Sadly, the report reaching National Daily reveals that the Gunners are set to still be without star defender William Saliba after recent scans showed the Frenchman had not made ‘sufficient’ progress from a back injury.

The centre-back has been out of action since injuring his back in a Europa League defeat to Sporting Lisbon in March.

The latest development is definitely a regrettable for Arsenal fans as National Daily learnt that the 22-year-old had formed a good partnership with Gabriel this season and the Gunners have sorely missed his leadership as Mikel Arteta’s side have seen their title bid wobble in recent weeks.

There had been hope that, despite a pessimistic update from Arteta last Friday, that Saliba was working towards featuring for the title decider against City on Wednesday.

However, the Athletic say that the defender will miss the trip to the Etihad after the latest scan results showed Saliba had not made the progress that the club had hoped for.

In fact, while Arsenal are not putting a timescale on his return, the club fear Saliba could miss the remainder of the campaign.

That would be a sizeable blow to Arsenal’s title chances as Arteta’s side look to navigate the final weeks of the campaign.

Three points from the last nine means Arsenal must beat City at the Etihad to keep their title hopes alive.