Is Saliba fit for Arsenal? Star has 'chronic' injury ahead of Chelsea clash

The Gunners defender withdrew from the France squad over the international break due to a 'chronic' toe injury.

Saliba's issue is a big concern for Mikel Arteta who knows the impact the centre-back's absence has on his side's success.

So could he miss the Gunners' key clash against Chelsea? Or will his rest over the international break mean he is fit to play?

Is Saliba fit to play this weekend?

Saliba is expected to feature for Arsenal this weekend.

His toe injury was first reported after the Gunners' 1-0 win over Man City, revealing that he had played the game with the knock.

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The defender's withdrawal from the France squad followed which then raised worries over how serious the issue could be.

However, Saliba's toe problems have been ongoing for a while and he has been playing through the discomfort.

Concern still remains for Arsenal as he was clearly not fit enough to feature for his country.

But due to his importance in Arteta's defence, it is likely he will play through the pain once again against Chelsea.

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If Saliba doesn't feature, the impact on Arsenal could be damaging.

Last season, the centre-back was injured for some crucial games in the Premier League title race run-in.

And the Gunners ended up dropping points in those games as well as their grip on top spot, with his absence heavily felt.

Saliba himself has since admitted that he thinks if he was fit, Arsenal would have ended up winning the title.

He said: "Yeah, it's clear with me [fully fit], Arsenal could have been champions, but injuries are a part of football."

So with Arsenal already deep in a battle at the top of the Premier League, they won't want to head into a crucial game without their key man again.