Mikel Arteta says that Arsenal defender William Saliba is “evolving well” after sustaining a muscular injury last week but will miss his side’s Champions League game against Dinamo Zagreb on Wednesday.

Mikel Arteta has admitted that William Saliba’s injury setback has forced him to consider a new role for Declan Rice. Saliba missed Saturday’s disappointing 2-2 draw against Aston Villa after he pulled up during the closing stages of last week’s north London derby win over Tottenham.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta confirmed that William Saliba will miss the Champions League clash against Dinamo Zagreb on Wednesday but added that he expects a quick return to action for the center-back.

Nwaneri’s return is timely given Arsenal are light on options in attack. The 17-year-old scored in back-to-back games before his injury, emerging as an option on the right flank in the absence of Bukayo Saka. “It was a big setback because he (Nwaneri) was getting some consistency and more minutes,” said Arteta.

William Saliba is making good progress as he rehabs hamstring injury but Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed he will be missing for the Champions League clash against Dinamo Zagreb

Arsenal's defensive stalwart William Saliba is set for a spell on the sidelines after Sunday's medical checks revealed a hamstring issue, ruling him out for a crucial fortnight. The Frenchman missed the recent draw with Aston Villa, and in his absence, Jurrien Timber stepped up to fill the void at centre-half.

Mikel Arteta considering surprise Arsenal position change after William Saliba injury - Gunners down to bare bones of defensive options after setbacks

Arsenal have struggled with injuries in recent weeks but Mikel Arteta received a boost ahead of facing Dinam Zagreb in the Champions League and welcomed two stars back to training

Mikel Arteta's defensive woes are set to deepen with the anticipated absence of star defender William Saliba for the next fortnight, forcing a reshuffle in his backline. This comes at a crucial juncture for the Gunners as they strive to keep pace with Premier League leaders Liverpool and secure a direct entry into the Champions League group stage.

Mikel Arteta says William Saliba was ruled out of Arsenal’s Premier League fixture against Aston Villa due to a muscular injury. Saliba, 23, was missing from the matchday squad for Saturday’s 2-2 draw,

Arsenal face a tough challenge in the Premier league when former manager, Unai Emery, and eighth place Aston Villa come to Emirates Stadium.