William Saliba is reportedly determined to return for the title run-in despite risking further aggravation to his back injury.

LISBON, PORTUGAL - MARCH 09: William Saliba of Arsenal celebrates after scoring the team's first goal during the UEFA Europa League round of 16 leg one match between Sporting CP and Arsenal FC at Estadio Jose Alvalade on March 09, 2023 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)
LISBON, PORTUGAL – MARCH 09: William Saliba of Arsenal celebrates after scoring the team’s first goal during the UEFA Europa League round of 16 leg one match between Sporting CP and Arsenal FC at Estadio Jose Alvalade on March 09, 2023 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images)
  • William Saliba is eager to return for Arsenal’s title run-in, despite concerns over injury complications.
  • The French defender has been sidelined for four weeks due to a back injury.
  • Saliba’s availability for upcoming games against Southampton and Manchester City will be determined in the next few days.

Determined despite injury complications

French defender William Saliba is reportedly ready to risk further aggravation to his back injury to return for Arsenal’s title run-in, including the crucial game against Manchester City.

Despite concerns over complications if he is rushed back, Saliba is willing to ‘put his body on the line’ for the team.

Key central defender’s absence

Saliba has missed four weeks of action after suffering a back injury during Arsenal’s Europa League clash against Sporting Lisbon on March 16.

His absence has coincided with Mikel Arteta’s side dropping crucial points in the title race, although we should always remember that correlation is not causation.

Still, as much as I love Rob Holding, he’s no William Saliba.

Crucial period in recovery

Saliba is now said to be in a critical period of his recovery, with ‘the next few days determining his availability’ for the upcoming games against Southampton and Manchester City.

The injury reportedly requires day-to-day management, and Arsenal’s medical staff are taking a ‘cautious approach’ to Saliba’s rehabilitation.

Possible risk worth taking

With Arsenal in a position to win their first Premier League title since 2004 and Saliba being a key figure in the team, there is an acknowledgement that having him available as soon as possible ‘could be a risk worth taking’.

Saliba is ‘determined to prove his fitness’ ahead of Manchester City, despite the consequences of possibly making the injury worse.

However, it ‘remains to be seen whether the club are willing to take any chances with his return from injury’.