Arsenal given huge William Saliba injury update ahead of Manchester City clash

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Manchester City news as William Saliba faces a period out of action for Arsenal ahead of their clash with Pep Guardiola's side

William Saliba is a doubt for Arsenal's clash against Manchester City(Image: Offside via Getty Images)

Arsenal are set to be without William Saliba when they welcome Manchester City to the Emirates Stadium in the Premier League later this month.

The France international was replaced just five minutes into the Gunners' 1-0 defeat to Liverpool having twisted his ankle during the warm-up. After initially starting the game, Saliba was forced off and replaced by Cristhian Mosquera.

“He twisted his ankle during the warm-up, and he came in and he said he believed that he could carry on and play but he strayed away in the first two actions,” Arteta said.

Asked if he was worried about Saliba’s injury, the Spaniard added: “I am because you cannot play a game of that stature. After you try, that means that there is something wrong.”

As a result, the defender withdrew from the France squad for their World Cup qualifiers against Ukraine and Iceland. A statement from the French Football Federation confirmed he had suffered a 'sprained ankle'.

William Saliba(Image: Getty Images)

Arsenal will be sweating over Saliba's fitness ahead of the return of club football. Upon the end of the international break, Mikel Arteta's side take on Nottingham Forest before kickstarting their Champions League campaign at Athletic Club.

They then take on Man City on Sunday, September 21, in what could be a huge clash in the Premier League title race. Pep Guardiola's side are currently three points off the Gunners after losing their previous two games.

Now, French outlet L'Equipe have reported that Saliba won't be fit in time for the clash, with the centre-back expected to be out for three to four weeks. It means Saliba may not return until the trip to Newcastle on September 28 or against Olympiacos in the Champions League three days later.

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