Mikel Arteta has confirmed that William Saliba and Jurrien Timber will miss Arsenal’s final Premier League match of the season against Southampton on Sunday.
Saliba was forced off at half-time during Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Newcastle United after picking up a hamstring injury.
Arteta has now confirmed that the French defender will miss the trip to Southampton and is facing ‘a few weeks’ on the sidelines.
Saliba has been a vital part of Arsenal’s backline this season. His absence will be a concern, especially as the club looks to end the campaign strongly.
The Gunners have already secured a place in next season’s UEFA Champions League after a key win against Eddie Howe’s Newcastle side.
Mikel Arteta’s men are guaranteed to finish second in the league. However, they are still eager to wrap up the season with a victory.
This match gives them one final chance to finish on a positive note in what has been a tough year.
However, Arteta’s defensive options are further reduced as Timber will also miss the Southampton clash. The Arsenal boss revealed that Timber has undergone surgery on an ankle injury that’s kept him out for the last two games
The Dutch international is now facing a race against time to be fit to start pre-season ahead of the 2025/26 campaign. With Timber and Saliba joining Gabriel Magalhaes and Takehiro Tomiyasu on the sidelines, Arteta has few defensive options this weekend.
David Raya could still claim the Premier League Golden Glove. He has kept 13 clean sheets, which puts him level with Nottingham Forest’s Matz Sels at the top.
Saliba and Timber’s absence will affect this pursuit, as they are two key defenders in the Arsenal squad.
With Arsenal’s defence stretched, there may be chances for players expected to leave in the summer.
Both Kieran Tierney and Oleksandr Zinchenko could be handed farewell appearances.
Arteta might also offer a final outing to Italian midfielder Jorginho, who is linked with a move to Brazilian club Flamengo.
Southampton, already relegated, will look to leave the Premier League on a high.
Despite winning only twice this season, they will want to show fight and spirit in their last top-flight appearance before returning to the Championship.
Arsenal, meanwhile, will be aiming to finish strong, despite missing key players.
