Mikel Arteta Worried About William Saliba's Injury, Influences The Percentage Of Victory

William Saliba had to pull over, Arsenal was worried because it affected the percentage of wins (Instagram/@w.saliba4).

JAKARTA - Mikel Arteta has admitted that he is very worried about William Saliba's injury after the Arsenal defender missed a 2-2 draw against Aston Villa on Sunday, January 19, 2025.

Arsenal have lost two points in the Premier League to concerns about Saliba, who was not even included in the squad after suffering a hamstring injury in a 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur on January 16, 2025.

The French player is an important part of Arsenal's defense. He said he was injured in the second half of the 2022/2023 season, destroying their chances of staying with Manchester City in the race for the league title.

"I think tomorrow we'll have more information. We'll do more tests on him. We'll be clearer about that."

"What is certain (we are worried), especially with the number of players we have in the squad and looking at our benches. Very worried," said Arteta on Monday, January 20, 2025.

Arteta was forced to overhaul his defense by placing Jurrien Timber in the middle with Gabriel Magalhaes and midfielder Thomas Partey as interim right-backs.

Arsenal took a 2-0 lead through goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz, but Villa hit back with a header from Youri Tielemans and totaling Watkins equalized.

Arteta praised his team's performance, but criticized the defense of the second goal as Cash fired a cross converted by Watkins with a stunning volley.

"We can also blame ourselves for surviving unlike we did, especially with one of the goals."

"It can't be a part of our game if we want to be at the highest level of the country."

"The rest, what else can I ask from the team to fight a very good team?" said Arteta.

Arteta hopes Saliba's scans don't show serious injuries as statistics show he is very important to Arsenal.

With Saliba in the team, Arsenal has a winning ratio of 72 percent. While in matches he has not played since joining, the ratio has fallen to 38 percent.

Arsenal's draw in second place in the Premier League standings left them six points behind Liverpool who also have one game more.

Judging from this condition, Arteta hinted at the movement in the January 2025 transfer market.

"You see his performances, I don't know how many teams are playing at this level in the league."

"When you look at the bench, maybe you'll say I think we lack players," said Arteta.