Saliba injury latest: Arsenal defender misses training ahead of Leeds clash

Saliba has been a crucial part of the Gunners' success this season, making his name as one of the best defenders in the Premier League.

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However, he could now be absent from the next few fixtures after picking up a back injury against Sporting Lisbon in the Europa League.

He missed Mikel Arteta's side's win against Crystal Palace before the international break and was then forced him to withdraw from France's squad for their opening Euro 2024 qualifiers.

Arsenal will now be very concerned that he will be unavailable for crucial upcoming clashes in the title race.

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When will Saliba return?

There is currently no set date for Saliba to return.

He has been undergoing further assessment to determine how severe his back injury is and will have rested over the international break.

However, he remains a huge doubt, with French outlet L'Equipe reporting the defender could be out for 'several weeks'.

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And as Arsenal trained ahead of their meeting with Leeds this weekend, Saliba was absent.

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Therefore, the defender looks set to miss this Saturday's game in what could be a huge blow to Arsenal's Premier League title hopes.

Mikel Arteta was reluctant to comment on Saliba's injury after defeat to Sporting Lisbon knocked them out of Europe.

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He said: "I don't know [about the severity of the injury].

"Willy, I don't know, he had some discomfort and could not continue."

Gunners fans will be hoping that after some further assessment, their defender will not be sidelined for long.

In the same game, Takehiro Tomiyasu was also substituted with an injury and has since been forced to have knee surgery that will rule him out until the end of the season.

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Eddie Nketiah also remains out after picking up an ankle knock that has kept him out of action since the beginning of March.