William Saliba injured against Liverpool

Arsenal’s bad luck with injuries continued with William Saliba taken off just minutes into Arsenal’s game against Liverpool with what looked like a left ankle or foot problem.

Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images

Arsenal suffered another injury setback when William Saliba was forced off inside the opening minutes of their match against Liverpool at Anfield.

The centre-back collided with Hugo Ekitike and immediately appeared in discomfort, attempting briefly to continue before signalling to the bench. With only five minutes gone, he was withdrawn and replaced by summer signing Cristhian Mosquera.

Saliba’s exit adds to mounting problems for Mikel Arteta, who was already without Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz.

Arsenal have moved to reinforce their defensive options and have reached agreement with Bayer Leverkusen for Piero Hincapié. The Ecuador international is expected to arrive on an initial loan with a permanent transfer to follow next summer.

Arteta’s plans were again disrupted by circumstance, the sight of Saliba being helped off underlining the fragility of a squad already stretched. For a side competing on multiple fronts, losing a defender of his influence at such an early stage of a crucial game represents another major concern.

The extent of the problem will be clearer once Saliba undergoes further assessment, but it seems safe to say he will not be going off with France for the international break that now follows.