Why was William Saliba Missing from Arsenal's Squad? Mikel Arteta Reveals All (2026)

Get ready for a behind-the-scenes look at Arsenal's recent match against Brentford! We're about to uncover the reason behind a key player's absence and explore its potential impact on the team's title race.

Arsenal's Unbeaten Run: A Fragile Balance?

Arsenal, with their eyes firmly set on the Premier League trophy, entered the match against Brentford with a three-point lead over Manchester City. However, a series of fitness concerns threatened to disrupt their momentum.

Mikel Arteta, the Arsenal manager, has been dealing with a delicate balance of maintaining consistency while managing a squad with recent injury woes.

The Saliba Mystery: Illness Strikes

One notable absence from Arsenal's lineup was William Saliba, the French defender who had been an integral part of their backline. Arteta revealed that Saliba fell ill on the morning of the game, forcing him to withdraw from the squad.

"This morning, Wilo wasn't feeling well. He's ill and at home for now," Arteta explained. Saliba's absence meant a reshuffle in defense, with Cristhian Mosquera stepping in.

A Short-Term Setback, But What About the Long-Term?

While Saliba's illness is considered a temporary issue, the loss of Havertz and Mikel Merino's long-term injury paint a different picture. These absences limit Arteta's tactical flexibility, especially with the players' ability to fill multiple roles.

Despite the returns of Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka, who have also faced injury concerns, Arsenal's depth is being tested.

The Title Race: Can Arsenal Overcome Injuries?

As Arsenal aim for their first top-flight title since 2004, injuries could be a make-or-break factor. With the season entering its final stages, Arteta will need a fully fit squad to support their title challenge.

But here's where it gets controversial: Can Arsenal maintain their momentum with these injury concerns? And this is the part most people miss - how will Arteta adapt his tactics to overcome these setbacks?

What do you think? Will Arsenal's injuries hamper their title hopes? Share your thoughts in the comments and let's discuss!