Arsenal defender William Saliba may miss up to a month of action after an ankle injury

Mikel Arteta tells Saliba to focus on himself amid Van Dijk comparisons

According to French reports, Arsenal has been handed a setback after William Saliba was sidelined for three to four weeks. Only minutes into the Gunners’ loss to Liverpool, the center defender was sent off the pitch.

Saliba left Les Bleus’s international squad after limping away from an ankle ailment. The 24-year-old may now miss a month of play when the Champions League tournament starts after the international break and Arsenal looks to go back to winning ways.

Earlier this week, a statement from the French national team read, “William Saliba, who started for Arsenal against Liverpool on Sunday, was forced off in the fifth minute. He will not be able to honor his call-up for the first training camp of the season.

He is suffering from a sprained left ankle. After a discussion with Franck Le Gall, the French team doctor, Didier Deschamps confirmed the unavailability of William Saliba. The national coach has decided to call up Benjamin Pavard as a reinforcement.”

Saliba update from injury expert as Arsenal get possible return date

Saliba’s fitness will be a concern for Arsenal because they have important matches against Nottingham Forest, Manchester City, and Newcastle United coming up. Arsenal supporters may remain hopeful, though, according to Stephen Smith, CEO and creator of Kitman Labs, a company that works with the Premier League and specializes in injury care and performance statistics.

Saliba should be fully recovered for their September 21 visit to City, according to Smith’s return schedule. He could even be able to make it back in time for the Gunners’ match against Nottingham Forest at the Emirates next Saturday, when they resume play following the international break.

“They will be encouraging him to try to get there, even though that one might be really close,” Smith added. It depends on his level of pain the day following and the amount of edema. He will have a great chance if there is little swelling and the discomfort is comparatively harmless.