Mikel Arteta confirms defender won't face West Ham

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that William Saliba won't be available to face West Ham United this weekend.

The Frenchman picked up a back problem against Sporting Lisbon last month and he has since missed three games on the bounce.

In today's press conference, Arteta has revealed that the centre-back has not returned to training yet and he is out for another few weeks.

The news is a huge blow for the Gunners, considering Saliba has been tremendous in central defence over the campaign.

In his absence, Rob Holding has been impressive, but the Englishman has the tendency to make unforced defensive errors.

He conceded a penalty in the 2-2 draw at Liverpool last weekend but luckily, it did not prove costly as Mohamed Salah missed the spot.

Holding will have to step up in the coming weeks, considering Saliba could be sidelined until the beginning of May at least.

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