Mikel Arteta delivers worrying William Saliba fitness update as Arsenal boss explains why he has Gunners star out of Premier League clash with Aston Villa

The Frenchman was a surprise omission from the Gunners matchday squad for the clash at Emirates Stadium, having only missed one other match in the Premier League this season due to suspension.

However, his absence this time around is down to a "minor" issue, Arsenal explained, while Fabrizio Romano explained that he is struggling with a tightening in his hamstring. In his place, Jurrien Timber has been given the nod to start at centre-back alongside Gabriel Magalhaes.

Arteta downplayed fears over Saliba's condition, saying before the game: "He felt something before the match, something muscular. I don’t think it’s too much, but he couldn't train [on Friday]. He wasn’t feeling good enough to play, so we have to assess the situation."

A win against Villa will lift Arsenal to four points behind Liverpool in the English top-flight, though the Reds will have a game in hand come full-time.