Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta sets record straight on William Saliba injury in new update

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William Saliba was forced to sit out of Arsenal's 1-0 Premier League victory at Brighton on Wednesday night

Mikel Arteta has confirmed William Saliba's ankle injury is a separate issue to the one he suffered earlier in the season.

The Frenchman previously suffered an ankle injury at Liverpool in August which also saw him miss the 3-0 home win over Nottingham Forest.

Beyond that, the centre-back also missed three games against Chelsea, Brentford and Aston Villa with a mystery knock in November and December.

Saliba picked up his latest issue after scoring in the 2-1 home victory over the Club World Cup champions and Arteta has now issued a fresh update ahead of the FA Cup trip to Mansfield Town.

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He said when asked if it was the same ankle as earlier in the season: “No, it’s the other one. We thought the same after the game. He wasn’t comfortable to finish the game and after that away he didn’t have a good feeling. So let’s see if he recovers quickly."

When pushed on whether he was expecting Saliba to be ready for today's game, Arteta added: "I doubt it."

Arsenal will also be without Myles Lewis-Skelly for the trip to the League One outfit due to suspension.

The versatile left-back picked up yellow cards in each of the two previous rounds against Portsmouth and Wigan and therefore must serve a one-match ban.

Mikel Merino is a long-term absentee while Ben White and captain Martin Odegaard are also expected to miss the contest.

Earlier this week, Norway boss Stale Solbakken issued an update on the attacking midfielder, who has been sidelined with a minor knee issue.

He told Viaplay: "There is nothing serious about Martin. The most important thing is that he recovers completely and is good for us in the summer.

"For those of us who care about the World Cup, it's not a disaster that he's getting some breaks now. He's going to rebuild and be crucial for Arsenal in April-May and maybe late March."

In the absence of Saliba, young Gunner Marli Salmon could be in line for his first senior start as Arsenal look to book their place in the FA Cup quarter-finals.

Arteta's side are targeting their fourth straight victory in all competitions after bouncing back from disappointing draws at Brentford and Wolves, respectively.