Mikel Arteta hopeful William Saliba will be fit in time for Man City clash

“He is evolving well and the last few days he has been feeling much better but this game (Champions League) comes a little bit too early for him.”

William Saliba could return in time for Arsenal’s clash with Manchester City (Bradley Collyer/PA)

William Saliba has handed Arsenal a rare injury boost after manager Mikel Arteta confirmed the defender is set to be available to face Manchester City on February 2.

Saliba was sorely missed as the Gunners could take only a point against Aston Villa after Arteta’s players surrendered a two-goal lead at the Emirates on Saturday – a result which leaves them six points behind Liverpool having played one game more than Arne Slot’s table-toppers.