In an interview with Téléfoot, Arsenal centre-back William Saliba reflects on how his injury last season impacted the club’s quest for the Premier League title.

Saliba suggests that fitness could have changed the title race, and talks about the renewed aspirations for the current season.

Arsenal centre-back William Saliba has been speaking about the club’s missed opportunity in the race for the Premier League title last season, attributing it to his own back injury.

In a recent interview with Téléfoot, the 22-year-old player suggested that Arsenal could have won their first league title since 2004 had he remained fit throughout the season.

Saliba was a crucial part of Mikel Arteta‘s squad that came close to challenging Manchester City for the league title. However, his absence due to a back injury coincided with Arsenal’s drop in form.

When asked whether Arsenal might have secured the title if he had been fit, Saliba was unequivocal.

“Yeah, it’s clear with me (fully fit), Arsenal could have been champions, but injuries are a part of football,” he said.

Although Arsenal failed to capture the Premier League title, Saliba’s performance throughout the season prior to his injury was commendable.

Reflecting on his last season, Saliba added, “Last year, I had a good season. Unfortunately, I got injured during the year and at the final sprint.”

Saliba also articulated a strong desire from the team to improve on last season’s achievements, expressing optimism for the year ahead. “It’s a new season with new ambitions and I hope that we can do even better,” he said.