Saliba ruled out as Arteta confirms injury | OneFootball

Arsenal defender to miss Southampton trip after milestone appearance ends early

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William Saliba will play no further part in Arsenal’s season after suffering a hamstring injury in Sunday’s win over Newcastle United, Mikel Arteta has confirmed.

The France international, making his 100th Premier League appearance for the club, was replaced at half-time at the Emirates. Arteta told Premier League World TV: “William is going to be out for a few weeks, unfortunately. He pulled his hamstring against Newcastle, so he’s going to be out for a few weeks.”

Saliba’s absence for the final game of the campaign away at Southampton is a blow, though Arsenal have already secured Champions League qualification and need just a point against the league’s bottom side to seal second, although their superior goal difference means it’s all but secure barring a 13-goal final day swing.

Arteta also praised Saliba’s development, saying: “We’ve seen his progression, his development, and the standard that he’s hitting at the moment. He’s so much to learn and improve, so we have a player there for many, many years.”

Jurrien Timber will also miss the Southampton match after undergoing ankle surgery this week. The Dutch defender, who recovered from a long-term ACL injury sustained last season, has made 48 appearances in all competitions.

Arteta said: “Jurrien had surgery yesterday on his ankle, so he’ll be out for a few weeks as well. We didn’t sign a player, we signed a leader, a very, very special character.”

Arsenal close out the 2024–25 season at St Mary’s on Sunday, with Ben White expected to continue at centre-back.