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Arteta: Arsenal 'worried' about Saliba's fitness

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Sunday, August 31st 2025 at 15:38 GMT by ESPN
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Arsenal Eyeing William Saliba’s Return as They Prepare to Take on Liverpool

In the run‑up to the highly anticipated Premier League clash, Arsenal’s manager Mikel Arteta has expressed growing concern over defender William Saliba’s fitness. The 23‑year‑old, who joined the Gunners from Marseille last summer, has been on a slow path back from a hamstring injury that forced him to miss a significant chunk of the campaign. Arteta’s worry is now compounded by the fact that the Gunners are about to face a Liverpool side that has been in fine form under Jurgen Klopp.

Saliba’s injury saga

Saliba’s hamstring problem began in late August, when he was ruled out for an estimated six weeks. The striker‑defender returned to training in early November, but the club’s medical staff were still cautious about pushing him into match‑time. “We’re careful with our players, especially after an injury. Saliba’s body has been fragile, and we need to keep him healthy,” Arteta told the media during a post‑match press conference. “He’s a key player for us.”

The Gunners have had to lean on a reshuffled backline – with seasoned centre‑back Gabriel Silva and the younger Ben White taking on a bigger defensive role – but Arteta believes Saliba’s presence could tighten the defence and give the team an extra edge on the flank. “He’s a player who can cover a lot of ground. We need him out there if we want to compete against the likes of Liverpool,” Arteta added.

Arsenal’s defensive concerns

Arsenal’s defensive record this season has been shaky. The team has managed to hold onto a respectable point tally but has conceded 32 goals, a figure that sits in the middle of the table. In a match against Chelsea last month, the Gunners were beaten 2‑1, with the defence exposed by a swift counter‑attack. With Saliba still unsure of his match readiness, Arteta is hoping to bring him back to form as soon as possible.

“We have to get the backline cohesive,” Arteta told BBC Sport. “The players need to trust each other, and Saliba is a big part of that trust.” He also highlighted the need for a strong partnership in the centre of defence, saying that the back four has yet to find its rhythm.

Liverpool’s looming challenge

Liverpool’s recent form has been a source of concern for Arsenal. The Reds have won three of their last four Premier League matches, including a 3‑0 victory over Tottenham and a 2‑1 win at Anfield over Manchester United. Jurgen Klopp’s side have shown an attacking flair that can tear apart even the most solid backlines.

“Liverpool is a top‑flight team,” Arteta said. “They have a quick, dynamic approach. We’ll need to be very organised and disciplined.” The Gunners will be looking to counter Liverpool’s fast transitions and the threat posed by players like Mohamed Salah and Diogo Jota.

The match preview

The fixture is slated for Saturday evening, with the Gunners hosting the Reds at the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal will be aiming to secure a vital three points that could see them move into the Champions League qualifying spots. Liverpool, on the other hand, will look to keep their momentum and extend their win streak.

The Gunners’ squad list for the match has already been released, and Saliba is still not in the announced squad. The club’s medical staff confirmed that he is not ready to play, though they have not ruled out a late comeback if he shows fitness in training.

What lies ahead for Saliba?

Saliba’s next step is to maintain his fitness during training and aim for a late‑season return. In an interview with Sky Sports, he admitted the frustration of being out of action. “It’s not how I want to start the season,” he said. “I’ve been working hard to get back to 100% and will be ready as soon as I can.”

The Gunners’ coaching staff have planned a phased return for Saliba, with limited minutes in cup matches if possible. Arteta’s approach is to prioritize long‑term health over a quick comeback. “We want him to come back strong and not get hurt again,” Arteta stressed.

The bigger picture

As Arsenal prepare to face a Liverpool side that has proven capable of beating any opponent, the question of William Saliba’s fitness hangs over the match. If the defender is unable to return, Arteta will have to rely on his backline to hold off the Reds’ attacks. If Saliba is back in action, his experience and versatility could be the key to unlocking Liverpool’s defensive vulnerabilities.

The outcome of this fixture will have significant implications for Arsenal’s title hopes and could alter the dynamic of the top‑six battle. For Liverpool, a win would cement their position near the summit of the table and extend their winning run.

Whatever the result, the match promises to be a high‑stakes showdown that will test Arsenal’s resilience and Liverpool’s quality. Fans are left to wonder whether Saliba’s return will be enough to help the Gunners secure the win and keep their aspirations alive. The Premier League will be watching closely.