Arsenal manager confirms defender injury blow

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that William Saliba won't play any part against Leeds United on Saturday.

The Frenchman picked up a back problem in the Europa League tie versus Sporting and he subsequently missed the Crystal Palace game.

Initial reports suggested that he could return after the international break but Arteta has now revealed that the centre-back has not recovered yet.

Speaking in today's press conference, the Gunners boss ruled out the Frenchman from tomorrow's game at the Emirates Stadium.

The Spaniard added that the club will assess the defender's situation and refused to confirm whether he could face Liverpool next weekend.

In the absence of Saliba, Rob Holding is expected to partner Gabriel Magalhaes at the heart of the defence against the Whites.

Holding could have an extended role to play if Saliba has suffered a serious injury. The centre-back was almost flawless against Palace.

Arsenal are currently eight points ahead of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League, but the latter have a game in hand.