Is William Saliba injured this weekend? Arsenal fitness update after Kairat absence

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Arsenal defender William Saliba didn't feature in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday

Arsenal defender William Saliba
Arsenal defender William Saliba (Image credit: Getty Images)

Arsenal are hoping for positive news on the fitness of key defender William Saliba.

The colossal France international didn't play at all in midweek against Kairat Almaty and with a huge clash against Leeds United to come this weekend, Mikel Arteta will hope to have him available.

Is William Saliba fit to face Leeds this weekend?

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 26: William Saliba of Arsenal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD5 match between Arsenal FC and FC Bayern München at Arsenal Stadium on November 26, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)

William Saliba has been colossal at the back for Arsenal this season (Image credit: Getty Images)

Arteta did provide an update ahead of the clash with Kairat in midweek, ruling out both Saliba and Jurrien Timber. The Spaniard admitted the pair are being assessed first of all ahead of their trip to West Yorkshire this weekend.

“No, those are not (available),” began Arteta, “It’s a good opportunity now that we make a different kind of work with them to get them in the best possible condition for the weekend hopefully.”

Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta

Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta (Image credit: Getty Images)

Arteta was not asked about the towering French defender in his post-match press conference on Wednesday night, so we expect another update on Friday.

The Spaniard will conduct his pre-match media duties ahead of the Leeds game, with the Gunners looking to bounce back after a defeat to Manchester United last weekend.

Despite Mikel Merino levelling the game at 2-2 inside the final ten minutes, Matheus Cunha struck a dagger through Arsenal's hearts and title hopes, with his late winner, sparking pandemonium in the away end.

With Merino and Declan Rice also not playing in Europe, due to suspension, the Arsenal boss admitted his squad is now set to be tested more than ever.

A general view as players of Arsenal pose for a team photograph prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD8 match between Arsenal FC and FC Kairat Almaty at Arsenal Stadium on January 28, 2026 in London, England.

Arsenal bounced back with a win against Kairat on Wednesday evening (Image credit: Getty Images)

“It’s been like this for the first seven months of the competition. Whether it was with this competition, domestic league and Champions League, or with international players playing for their countries as well.

“There is nothing new. The good news is that we have some players back as well now that are going to be helping us. We are used to it, so that’s never going to be an excuse.”

In FourFourTwo's opinion, it's a risk to presume Saliba is going to be fit at Leeds, especially with the club keeping tight-lipped on his latest setback.

Matthew Holt
Matthew Holt

Matthew Holt writes freelance for FourFourTwo, amongst others, and boasts previous experience at GOAL and SPORTBible. He now works with us alongside his time at Manchester United and Reach PLC, aiding with online content for the website. Career highs include working at the FA Cup final, as well as scoring at Old Trafford in front of the Stretford End. A long-term sufferer of his beloved Scunthorpe United, he is often seen on the padel court, as well as occasionally as a six-a-side call-up.

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