Predicted Arsenal XI as Mikel Arteta given food for thought by Saliba

Arteta insists Arsenal remain in Premier League title fight

Mikel Arteta has admitted that William Saliba could be out for longer than initially hoped as Arsenal prepare to face Southampton on Friday. The Gunners have struggled without the Frenchman in recent weeks, losing leads and dropping points in both of their last two outings. 

Arsenal have not kept a clean sheet in the month that Saliba has missed. The 22-year-old was taken off with a knock in the Europa League draw with Sporting Lisbon on March 16 but Arteta insists his season is not over. 

“Regarding William, we still have to wait a little bit more. He is not progressing as quick as we hoped,” Arteta said. “It’s a bit delicate and we want to be very certain when we push him that he is ready to absorb the load and the risk that we will take and at the moment that’s not possible to do.”

With that in mind, Express Sport picks a possible Arsenal team to face Southampton. 

Goalkeeper: Aaron Ramsdale

Ramsdale has established himself as the No 1 at the Emirates Stadium over the last 18 months. The England star has been unfortunate in recent games, making some incredible saves – only to have his efforts thwarted by individual errors that have cost Arsenal points. 

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Defenders: Ben White, Rob Holding, Gabriel, Kieran Tierney

Rob Holding has deputised for Saliba at centre-back. The Englishman is not quite at the level of Saliba and Arsenal have been poorer in defence without the France international. 

But Holding will hope to silence some of his critics with a positive performance against Southampton. The Saints do not score many goals – only 24 in 31 Premier League matches – so keeping them out at the Emirates Stadium should be a priority. 

Meanwhile, Arteta also revealed that a late check on Oleksandr Zinchenko’s fitness will be needed. Kieran Tierney could play at left-back. 

Midfielders: Thomas Partey, Martin Odegaard, Granit Xhaka

Midfield is a rare area where Arsenal have not been troubled by too many injuries this season. The regular trio of Partey, Odegaard and Xhaka will surely start against Southampton. 

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Attackers: Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli

Arteta has backed Saka to take Arsenal’s next penalty after the winger’s miss proved costly in last week’s 2-2 draw with West Ham. Asked if the 21-year-old will be on duty for the next spot-kick, the Spaniard joked: “Yes. If not, I will go on the pitch and throw him the ball to make sure he takes the next one.”

Gabriel Jesus has scored four goals in his last three outings. Gabriel Martinelli will likely get the nod in Arteta’s preferred front three. 

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