Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed that defender William Saliba will miss the team’s Premier League match against Chelsea on Sunday due to discomfort felt during training. The Spanish coach has opted to start Piero Hincapie and Cristhian Mosquera in central defense instead.

According to Arteta, Saliba’s absence is precautionary, as the player reported feeling “uncomfortable” during a training session. While the full extent of the issue is still being assessed, Arteta does not believe the injury is serious. “Yesterday in training, he was uncomfortable, so we need to explore a little bit more what happened,” Arteta explained ahead of the match at Stamford Bridge.

The Arsenal manager’s cautious approach is likely due to the importance of the match, as a win would see the Gunners open up a nine-point gap at the top of the Premier League table. With a significant lead on the line, Arteta is taking no risks with Saliba’s fitness, choosing to err on the side of caution.

The decision to omit Saliba from the squad is a testament to the depth of Arsenal’s defensive options, with Hincapie and Mosquera ready to step in. The pair will face a tough test against a Chelsea team looking to climb the table, but Arteta will be confident in their abilities to perform.

As the Premier League season reaches its critical phase, Arteta’s management of his squad will be crucial in determining Arsenal’s success. The team’s performance against Chelsea will be closely watched, with fans and pundits alike eagerly anticipating the outcome. With Saliba’s injury being monitored, the focus will now shift to the players who take to the field, as they bid to secure a vital win and maintain Arsenal’s position at the top of the table.