Why William Saliba missed Arsenal's game vs Aston Villa?

Arsenal defender William Saliba missed the Premier League draw against Aston Villa due to a minor muscle injury.

The Gunners played out a frustrating 2-2 draw against the Villans at the Emirates Stadium. They were 2-0 ahead at one stage, but squandered the advantage with two defensive mishaps.

Saliba was a huge miss in the heart of the defence for the Gunners and manager Mikel Arteta revealed that he was sidelined with a minor muscular concern.

In his absence, Jurrien Timber played in central defence with Thomas Partey as a makeshift right-back. It proved a blunder with Partey guilty in the lead up to both goals conceded.

Arsenal host Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League on Wednesday night and it is uncertain whether Saliba will be deemed fit. He may not be risked at such a short notice in our view.

Arteta may have to stick with the same combination unless he is prepared to trust academy graduate Josh Nichols in the right-back role ahead of Partey.