Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is ready to call upon Declan Rice as an emergency option at centre-back in the absence of William Saliba. Saliba missed Saturday’s draw with Aston Villa due to a hamstring injury picked up in the north London derby last Wednesday.

Mikel Arteta offered a positive update on injured Arsenal defender William Saliba as his side prepare for a Champions League clash against Dinamo Zagreb.

Mikel Arteta has admitted he is "very worried" about William Saliba's injury after the Arsenal defender missed Saturday's 2-2 draw against Aston Villa on Saturday.

Arsenal: Mikel Arteta reveals timeline for William Saliba return as Gunners handed double injury boost - The Gunners have been boosted by the return of two players

A cheery Mikel Arteta announced he had "very positive news" when it came to Arsenal's myriad of injuries ahead of the club's Champions League tie with Dinamo Zagreb on Wednesday night. The Gunners have been beset by injuries this season,

William Saliba is making good progress as he rehabs hamstring injury but Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed he will be missing for the Champions League clash against Dinamo Zagreb

Gunners could be without their star centre-back for the next three matches and must find an effective solution

William Saliba's hamstring strain has given Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta a fresh injury headache to contend with during a hectic and potentially decisive spell of fixtures

Mikel Arteta's defensive woes are set to deepen with the anticipated absence of star defender William Saliba for the next fortnight, forcing a reshuffle in his backline. This comes at a crucial juncture for the Gunners as they strive to keep pace with Premier League leaders Liverpool and secure a direct entry into the Champions League group stage.