'Let's see': Mikel Arteta suggests 21-year-old Arsenal player has chance of starting vs West Ham now

By Sam Preston

Mikel Arteta has suggested that World Cup finalist William Saliba could play for Arsenal against West Ham on Boxing Day.

Saliba went all the way to the biggest game in world football last Sunday but he did not get onto the pitch in the 3-3 draw.

His only action of the tournament came as a substitute as a rotated France side lost 1-0 to Tunisia in their final group match.

Arteta faced the media before the London derby after Christmas and said that the 21-year-old could be able to play a part.

Arteta says Saliba could face West Ham

When asked if Saliba could play, Arteta said: “Let’s see – that depends on how he comes back as well.

“We have the data of what he’s done in training, and in terms of the actual minutes he didn’t participate much but it was a huge experience for him as well.

“Let’s see – when he gets back we’ll make the decision. We have a lot of contact, but of course it’s different when he’s on the phone and when he’s present.

“Then we can talk to him directly and see how he is in training, see how he’s feeling, and get into the rhythm.”

Players like Saliba and Aaron Ramsdale, who went to the World Cup but did not play much or at all, provide a challenge for Arsenal.

They have been training but they will likely not be match fit. On the other hand, they will not be exhausted by a gruelling World Cup.

Saliba has been so important for Arsenal this season and they need him to pick up where he left off before the World Cup.