Arsenal manager confirms bad news on key defender

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

The Frenchman has been out for the past month with a back issue and he has yet to return to first-team training.

Arteta has now revealed that the centre-back requires another few weeks before he can be involved again.

The news is a huge blow for the Gunners, considering the Frenchman's impressive impact this campaign.

In his absence, Rob Holding has fared well but the former Bolton Wanderers man has the tendency to make errors.

He made one in the 2-2 draw against Liverpool. The penalty conceded was luckily squandered by Mohamed Salah.

Arsenal will be aiming to extend their gap over Manchester City to six points when they tackle West Ham.

They will be facing the Hammers away from home tomorrow and should anticipate another routine victory.

Gabriel Jesus is expected to lead the line. The Brazilian has three goals in his last two appearances for Arsenal.