Arsenal's defensive worries continue as Saliba faces a spell on the sidelines. Will he return in time for the crucial clash against Manchester City?

Arsenal's defensive stalwart William Saliba is set for a spell on the sidelines after Sunday's medical checks revealed a hamstring issue, ruling him out for a crucial fortnight. The Frenchman missed the recent draw with Aston Villa, and in his absence, Jurrien Timber stepped up to fill the void at centre-half.

Not for the first time, Arsenal felt the impact of being without William Saliba as they blew a two-goal lead at home to Aston Villa. The French defender missed Saturday’s 2-2 Premier League draw due to a hamstring injury and Mikel Arteta admitted after the game that he is “worried” given Arsenal’s lack of defensive options.

William Saliba missed Arsenal's dramatic draw with Aston Villa as Mikel Arteta sweated on his injury diagnosis with the defender due to be sidelined for several weeks

Mikel Arteta says William Saliba was ruled out of Arsenal’s Premier League fixture against Aston Villa due to a muscular injury. Saliba, 23, was missing from the matchday squad for Saturday’s 2-2 draw,

Takehiro Tomiyasu has managed only six minutes of action this season following a knee injury and his return date remains unclear. Ben White underwent surgery on a knee problem back in November and Arteta has hinted he could return towards the end of January.

Arsenal sweating on William Saliba's fitness ahead of Manchester City clash after hamstring injury that could keep him out of action for two weeks.

Arsenal defender William Saliba faces a two-week injury layoff due to a hamstring strain, leaving him in doubt for the crucial Premier League clash against Manchester City on February 2. The French centre-back missed Saturday's 2-2 draw with Aston Villa,