Mikel Arteta provides huge update on William Saliba and Oleksandr Zinchenko ahead of Arsenal v Southampton

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed William Saliba’s back injury is not progressing as quick as he would have hoped.

“Regarding William we still have to wait a bit more,” said Arteta in his pre-match press conference.

“He’s not progressing as quick as we hoped. It’s a bit delicate. We want to be sure when we push him.

When asked whether Saliba is likely to be ruled out for the season, Arteta replied:

“I don’t know. It’s a bit early to say.

“There is some evolution. He’s doing more activity but he’s not ready yet to throw him in to that pitch.”

Meanwhile, Oleksandr Zinchenko is not expected to feature against Southampton on Friday night according to Arteta.

“We will see that one as well, it’s not certain. It’s a muscular injury and he needs some time to heal.”