Arsenal defender William Saliba will not be available for Wednesday's top-of-the-table showdown with Manchester City, and fears are growing that he could be sidelined for the rest of the season, according to a report.
The France international's breakthrough year in North London was cut short when he sustained a back injury in the second leg of the Gunners' Europa League last-16 clash with Sporting Lisbon last month.
As a result, Rob Holding came back in from the cold to partner Gabriel Magalhaes and put in two competent showings as Arsenal recorded a pair of 4-1 wins over Crystal Palace and Leeds United.
However, Saliba's absence has been well and truly felt in recent weeks, as Arsenal dropped successive 2-0 leads for the first time in their Premier League history in 2-2 draws with Liverpool and West Ham United.
The Gunners' plateau continued with a 3-3 stalemate at home to basement side Southampton on Friday, further damaging their chances of pipping Manchester City to title glory.
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Mikel Arteta admitted earlier this month that Saliba could take "a few weeks" to heal fully, and his recovery has not progressed as quickly as the Gunners had initially hoped.
As such, the 22-year-old's chances of facing Man City in midweek were slim to none, and The Athletic now reports that he will indeed be forced to miss the clash with the champions.
Following Wednesday's crunch match, Arsenal host 11th-placed Chelsea in a London derby at the Emirates on May 2, and Saliba is also expected to sit out that contest.
The Gunners are said to be increasingly concerned that Saliba will not play again this season, but those worst fears have not been confirmed, and he is still being carefully assessed.
Saliba's injury is said to be of a "complicated nature", but Arsenal have still not given up hope of welcoming him back to the squad for their final few games of the season.
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The 22-year-old was forced to be extremely patient for his first-team breakthrough at Arsenal, having been shipped back to France for three separate loan spells with Saint-Etienne, Nice and Marseille.
With the latter, Saliba won the Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year prize as Marseille finished second in the table, but he rejected the chance to join Les Olympiens permanently in favour of making a name for himself at Arsenal.
Since making his long-awaited debut, Saliba has lived up to his potential with three goals and one assist from 33 appearances in all competitions, starting 27 Premier League games on the bounce prior to his injury.
Saliba's absence from the backline means that Holding should start at the Etihad as he attempts to keep 48-goal striker Erling Braut Haaland quiet, although January signing Jakub Kiwior is another option for Arteta.
Arsenal's title destiny remains in their own hands as they hold a five-point lead over Man City at the top of the Premier League table, although the champions have played two games fewer.
Ben Knapton
