Mikel Arteta delivers worrying William Saliba fitness update as Arsenal boss explains why he has Gunners star out of Premier League clash with Aston Villa

Arsenal centre-back William Saliba was left out of Mikel Arteta's squad for their Premier League clash against Aston Villa on Saturday.

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• Saliba not named in Gunners squad
• Has been vital figure for Arteta
• Club say he has a 'minor' issue

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Frenchman was a surprise omission from the Gunners matchday squad for the clash at Emirates Stadium, having only missed one other match in the Premier League this season due to suspension.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  However, his absence this time around is down to a "minor" issue, Arsenal explained, while Fabrizio Romano explained that he is struggling with a tightening in his hamstring. In his place, Jurrien Timber has been given the nod to start at centre-back alongside Gabriel Magalhaes.

• WHAT MIKEL ARTETA SAID

  Arteta downplayed fears over Saliba's condition, saying before the game: "He felt something before the match, something muscular. I don’t think it’s too much, but he couldn't train [on Friday]. He wasn’t feeling good enough to play, so we have to assess the situation."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?

  A win against Villa will lift Arsenal to four points behind Liverpool in the English top-flight, though the Reds will have a game in hand come full-time.