Saliba's Absence Not Linked to Real Madrid, Injury Revealed

William Saliba's unexpected absence from Arsenal's squad for their crucial match against Aston Villa sparked rumors linking him to a potential move to Real Madrid. However, the truth behind his omission was not a transfer but a minor hamstring injury that occurred during a training session. The injury was serious enough for manager Mikel Arteta to make the decision not to risk Saliba’s health in such a critical game.

Saliba’s injury was described as a mild strain, and Arteta explained that it was a precautionary measure to ensure the player did not aggravate the issue. With Saliba sidelined, Jurrien Timber was called up to partner Gabriel Magalhães in the center of defense. This decision allowed the team to maintain a solid defensive unit, but Saliba’s absence was a blow to Arsenal’s ambitions, especially with important matches on the horizon.

Despite the concerns over Saliba’s injury, Arteta was confident in the ability of his squad to handle the situation. The match against Villa ended in a 2-2 draw, which left Arsenal frustrated as they dropped valuable points in their race for the title. However, Arteta noted that the injury was not serious, and he remained optimistic about Saliba's recovery timeline.

Saliba’s absence has been linked to ongoing rumors about a move to Real Madrid, but these have been quickly dismissed. Arteta and the club have made it clear that the player’s focus is on his recovery, and there is no truth to suggestions that he will be leaving Arsenal in the near future. With crucial games ahead, Arsenal fans are hoping Saliba will return to the lineup soon to help maintain their title challenge in the Premier League.