Why William Saliba does not play for Arsenal vs. Aston Villa

Arsenal face a tough Premier League challenge when former manager Unai Emery and eighth-placed Aston Villa come to the Emirates Stadium.

To make matters worse, they will be without one of their most important defenders: William Saliba. The French defender was not named in the squad against Villa on Saturday, January 18, with what the club called a minor problem.

Jurrien Timber will start in central defense next to Gabriel, while Thomas Partey fills in at right back.

Fans are hoping that Saliba is not out for too long given the injuries to Bukayo Saka, Riccardo Calafiori, Ben White and Gabriel Jesus. Arsenal have the best defense in the league so far this campaign, conceding just 19 goals in 21 games, but Timber will now have to deputize centrally and add even more minutes to a player who could use a break following an ACL injury .

Still, Timber is well equipped to fill in for Saliba and pair Gabriel in the heart of the defense.

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