Mikel Arteta reveals why he dropped William Saliba in Newcastle vs Arsenal with injury update

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Mikel Arteta made a few changes to his Arsenal side as they took on Newcastle in a tough Premier League clash.

The Gunners have improved in squad depth over the summer transfer window, as Andrea Berta spent over £250 million on new signings to help Mikel Arteta.

Given the injury issues that Arsenal struggled with last season, it comes as a huge boost to the manager, one that is already paying off.

Even with huge injuries to Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka already this season, the team have still looked solid

So much so that even with problems surrounding William Saliba, who was dropped to face Newcastle, the manager could still make some changes.

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Mikel Arteta reveals fitness and injury reasons behind William Saliba’s decision in Newcastle vs Arsenal

Arsenal star William Saliba has suffered from an ankle injury already this season, but fortunately, the performances of Cristhian Mosquera have covered for that.

With the Frenchman making his recent return to fitness, there have been questions surrounding whether he would take his place back immediately.

While he did feature against Manchester City and Port Vale, Saliba was dropped against Newcastle, sparking injury concerns.

Arteta revealed that it was a factor, but that the star is more of a fitness precaution than anything else.

Speaking to Sky Sports before the match, he said: “Depending on the circumstances [changes are made].

“William is coming back from an ankle injury that he is still trying to resolve, and he’s played twice in six days, and we have another two games coming in the next five or six days.

“So we have to manage the squad, and as well we need players who we can trust and rely on.”

It suggests that Saliba is certainly fit and available, but still a risk to pick so soon after coming back from injury.

That may be something of a change for Arteta, though, which is a positive step for the club.

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William Saliba decision shows change in Arsenal approach

In the past, it would’ve been a surprise to see Saliba dropped for such a big game.

However, with the summer signings made, and perhaps a bit more experience for Arteta over recent seasons, this is a change that has been coming.

Arsenal struggled with injuries last season, and there were times when the backline was heavily impacted.

However, with that now addressed in the summer transfer window with new signings, and perhaps a new approach from Arteta in managing his squad’s minutes, there is a sense of change in the team.

It could give the team more of a chance across all competitions this season.