Latest William Saliba injury update after forced substitution against Newcastle

Gidibam Web5 days ago

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Arsenal defender William Saliba was forced off at half-time during Sunday’s 1-0 victory over Newcastle United, cutting short what was meant to be a milestone evening as he made his 100th appearance for the Gunners.

The 24-year-old centre-back, widely regarded as one of the Premier League’s finest defenders, has played a pivotal role in Arsenal’s sustained title challenges under Mikel Arteta. However, his landmark appearance ended prematurely at the Emirates, with Saliba replaced by Riccardo Calafiori at the break after appearing to pick up a hamstring issue.

READ MORE: Declan Rice fires Arsenal to Champions League qualification with Newcastle win

Speaking after the match, Arteta confirmed the change was precautionary, stating: “He felt something in his hamstring, so we had to take him off.” With just one fixture remaining in the Premier League calendar — a final-day clash against Southampton on May 25 — Saliba now faces a race against time to be fit.

Despite Saliba’s early exit, Arsenal held firm and sealed an important victory thanks to a stunning goal from Declan Rice. The England midfielder netted the winner in the 55th minute, curling a composed first-time effort into the bottom corner from the edge of the box after a slick assist from Martin Ødegaard.

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The result leaves Arsenal five points ahead of third-placed Newcastle and virtually guarantees a second-place finish, even if Manchester City win their game in hand, due to Arsenal’s superior goal difference.

With the win, Arsenal have confirmed their qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League and are on course for a third consecutive top-two finish under Arteta — a testament to the team’s growing consistency at the top level of English football.