William Saliba and Oleksandr Zinchenko have been ruled out for the remainder of the season in a significant blow to Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes.
Both defenders have been key performers in Arsenal’s sustained push for a first top-flight title since 2004.
The Gunners have three matches left to overhaul current leaders Manchester City, who have a one-point advantage plus a game in hand.
Saliba sustained a back issue in the Europa League last-16 defeat by Sporting Lisbon in March, while Zinchenko was forced off during Sunday’s win at Newcastle United with a calf problem.
Mikel Arteta will likely call upon Kieran Tierney to deputise for Zinchenko at left-back, while he’s favoured youngster Jakub Kiwior as a left-sided centre-back alongside Gabriel Magalhaes in recent weeks, ahead of Rob Holding.
This latest injury news will come as a further blow to Arteta’s side, who have only won two of their past six matches.
Arsenal are next in action against Brighton & Hove Albion at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday as they hope o keep the pressure up on Manchester City.
cc: GOAL
