'Very worried' - Mikel Arteta issues fresh William Saliba update and reveals defender set for further tests after missing draw with Aston Villa through injury

The Gunners raced to a 2-0 lead at the Emirates but two second-half strikes from Youri Tielemans and Ollie Watkins forced them to share the spoils. Saliba has been a consistent performer this campaign but Arteta could not name him in the matchday squad as the defender picked up an injury during Wednesday’s win over Tottenham. Instead, Jurrien Timber slotted in at the heart of defence alongside Gabriel.

Before the Villa clash, Arsenal revealed that the Brazilian has a "minor issue" while explaining the sudden absence of Saliba. However, Arteta had something different to say about the defender after the Villa draw.

When Arteta was asked about Saliba's condition, he said: "No, not yet. I think tomorrow we will have more information, we will have another test on him and we will be more clear about that."

The Spaniard admitted that it is a concerning situation and added: "Yeah, for sure, especially with the numbers that we have in the squad and looking at our bench - very worried.”

Arsenal are now six points behind leaders Liverpool in the Premier League standings and will be back in action against Wolves in the English top-flight on January 25. However, before that, they have a Champions League clash against Dinamo Zagreb to contend with on Wednesday evening.