Arsenal refusing to rule out William Saliba’s availability against Man City

William Saliba is reportedly willing to risk his fitness to feature in Arsenal’s crunch clash against Manchester City next Wednesday.

The Frenchman has been on the sidelines since picking up a lower back injury in last month’s Europa League defeat to Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon.

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His absence has coincided with Arsenal twice dropping points from winning positions which has seen their gap at the top of the table cut to four points.

The centre-back is entering a crucial period in his recovery and more will be known about his availability over the next few days.

If he responds positively, he could be in line to face Southampton at the Emirates Stadium on Friday night, live on talkSPORT.

Failing that, Arsenal are hoping he will be available for selection for next week’s trip to the Etihad Stadium.

However, sources have indicated that the injury requires daily management and according to the Daily Mail, the Gunners are taking a cautious approach with the Frenchman despite their wish to step up his rehabilitation.

But Saliba is keen to prove his fitness ahead of the potential title decider despite the possibility of the injury flaring up.

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With the stakes proving to be high for Arsenal, who have their best chance of lifting the title for the first time since 2004, Saliba is ready to do whatever it takes to help his teammates.

Arsenal’s defensive collapses at Liverpool and West Ham have strengthened their need to bring Saliba back into the fold at the earliest opportunity.