Late-season blow for Arsenal? William Saliba sees 100th Gunners appearance curtailed as Frenchman is forced off at half-time in clash with top-five rivals Newcastle

Saliba has often been considered one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League, and the Frenchman has been a major contributor to Arsenal putting on three straight league title battles, albeit unsuccessful. The 24-year-old made his 100th appearance in the Gunners' shirt on Sunday evening against their top-five rivals Newcastle United in the second-last league game of the season.

However, Saliba had to be taken off at half-time in the clash against the Magpies as he was replaced by Riccardo Calafiori due to an apparent injury. Mikel Arteta has now revealed that the Frenchman 'felt something' in his hamstring and could not continue in the clash. It could be possible that the French centre-back's season may be over, as they only have one more game to contend with before the end of the campaign.

Speaking to the media, Arteta said: “I think he (Saliba) felt something in his hamstring in the first half, unfortunately, so we had to make the substitution."

Saliba has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid this summer as Los Blancos look to revamp their defensive line, having already confirmed the signing of Bournemouth's highly-rated centre-back Dean Huijsen. Madrid are set to play in the Club World Cup next month, and if the 15-time European champions do strike a deal before the competition, Saliba may have already played his final game with the Gunners.

It will be a race against time for Saliba if he wants to feature in Arsenal's final Premier League game of the season against Southampton on Sunday, May 25. Whether he will be a part of Mikel Arteta's team come the Club World Cup, remains to be seen.