Things continue to get worse for Arsenal and their title race, with their chance of winning the Premier League for the first time in 19 years fading away by the day.
After three consecutive draws, the Gunners, who were once eight points ahead, now only boast a five-point advantage despite having played two extra games than nearest rivals Manchester City.
Were Guardiola's men to win those two games in hand, then they would leapfrog the North London giants in the standings, meaning Saka and Co. must beat the reigning champions of England this Wednesday at the Etihad Stadium.
Unfortunately, Mikel Arteta will be without one key man, arguably one of the most talented players in world football. That player is William Saliba, the highly-rated center-back who has been sidelined since the club's UEFA Europa League exit at the hands of Sporting CP over a month ago.
The Frenchman suffered a back injury during that tie and while Arteta has hinted at a return before the end of the season, that looks unlikely now. According to David Ornstein of the Athletic, recent assessments of the player show little progress and as a result, he will play no part in the trip to the Etihad Stadium.
This is a huge blow as Arteta's defense, once the second-best in the league earlier this season, have suddenly turned leaky, conceding two at Liverpool, two at West Ham, and three at home to last-placed Southampton on Friday.
Additionally, the French defender is expected to miss the showdown with Chelsea on May 2 and there are growing concerns his season might be over. If true, he would join Takehiro Tomiyasu and Mohamed Elneny on the list of players who are out for the remainder of the campaign.
The Dail Mail also offer insight into the situation, revealing that the 22-year-old has serious structural damage in his back that could result in a long-term issue were he to be rushed back onto the pitch. There is also an issue regarding one of his lumbar discs, though this isn't what has caused his lengthy absence.
The player has returned to the pitch and while he is ready to return as soon as possible and play through the pain, the club have to balance the short-term gain — a first Premier League title in 19 years — with the long-term risks that could occur.
