Chelsea hijack Arsenal transfer plan to sign William Saliba backup after worrying injury update

Chelsea appear to have dented Arsenal's hopes of finding a replacement for William Saliba, who was forced to miss the Gunners' clash against Aston Villa. The 23-year-old defender was omitted from the squad after he was seen holding his hamstring towards the end of the North London Derby.

Speaking to reporters prior to the 2-2 draw with Unai Emery's side, Arteta confirmed that Saliba had suffered a muscular injury. The Spaniard said: "He felt something post-match, something muscular. "We don’t think it’s too much, but he could not train yesterday.

"He wasn’t feeling good enough to play so we have to assess the situation," added Arteta. "He wasn’t feeling right after the game. He felt something so we need to do further tests to understand what’s wrong."

In his post-match press conference, Arteta was asked for an update on Saliba. The Arsenal boss said: "Not yet, I think tomorrow we will have more information, we will have more tests on him and we will be more clear about it."

When asked if he’s worried about the France international's injury, he replied: "Yes, for sure, especially with the numbers we have in the squad and looking at our bench. Very worried."

Then, on the pressure to make a signing, Arteta added: "Not at the result at the moment. You look at the performances, I don’t know how many teams are playing at this level in the league. When you look at the bench, probably you say I think we are very short."

Despite having publicly asked the Arsenal board to back him in the January transfer window, the Gunners are yet to welcome any new faces to the Emirates Stadium. But, that doesn't mean they're not trying.

According to CaughtOffside, Arsenal have been tipped as joint-favourites – alongside Chelsea – to sign