William Saliba: Arsenal Star Set to Miss Liverpool Clash With Injury in Blow to Mikel Arteta

• Arsenal are likely to miss the services of William Saliba when they take on Liverpool this weekend
• The centre-back is currently battling a back injury suffered three weeks ago during the Europa League
• Rob Holding is expected to fill the Frenchman's void as the Gunners eye a positive result when they travel to Anfield

William Saliba is set to miss Arsenal's Premier League trip to Anfield to face Liverpool in a major blow to the Gunners' title bid.

The north Londoners are desperate to cement their lead at the top of the standings as the campaign enters its homestretch.

Arsenal are currently leading the standings with 72 points after 29 matches and have an eight-point advantage over second-placed Man City.

The league leaders will be desperate to maintain their grip at the summit of the charts when they take on Liverpool this weekend.

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Saliba to miss Liverpool trip

Metro UK reports that Arsenal will have to do that without French defender Saliba, who is currently injured.

The centre-back has been in impressive form for Arteta's side this season, forming a solid partnership with Magalhaes at the heart of the defence.

However, Saliba has missed Arsenal's last two matches through a back injury picked up during their Europa League defeat to Sporting Lisbon.

It was initially projected the France international would recover during the international break and get going for the remainder of the season.

But that has not been the case, with The Sun reporting that his still struggling with the injury, with his recovery taking longer than expected.

Rob Holding, who has been holding brief for him is expected to continue as the centre-back in his absence.

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Why Saka was rested for Leeds clash

Earlier, Sports Brief reported Bukayo Saka was a conspicuous miss from Arsenal's starting XI during their Premier League clash against Leeds United.

Saka has been a mainstay figure for the Gunners throughout the campaign, playing a vital role in putting the club in a pole position to win the league this term.

It has now emerged that the 21-year-old was dropped because he had missed training the day before the match.