Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has revealed that William Saliba will have more tests on the injury that saw him miss the 2-2 draw against Aston Villa. Upon confirmation he was not in the matchday squad, football.london reported his absence was because of hamstring tightness.

In the lead up to the clash at Emirates Stadium, rumours over an issue for Saliba emerged after he was not captured in training photos. Some further digging resulted in suggestions emerging that the problem was suffered late into the clash against Tottenham after he went on a powerful run through the middle of the pitch.

Speaking just before the clash, Arteta explained why the France international was not available. “He felt something before the match, something muscular," he told Sky Sports. "I don’t think it’s too much, but he could not train yesterday. He wasn’t feeling good enough to play so we have to assess the situation."

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Jurrien Timber replaced him at centre-back and though the Netherlands international is more than capable of filling in, his absence was noticeable. As for the action, Mikel Arteta's side went in front with goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz, but Youri Tielemans and Ollie Watkins levelled the contest in just eight second-half minutes.

Despite losing ground in the Premier League title race to Liverpool, the fixtures are now set to come thick and fast for the Gunners over the coming weeks. Saliba being available for those will be huge if Arsenal are to get back to winning ways and though Arteta appeared positive, his verdict after the game was far more concerning.

"Not yet, tomorrow we will have more information," the Arsenal boss admitted on Saliba. "Tomorrow we will have another test." Asked if he is worried, Arteta replied: "Yes of course."

Alongside Saliba, Riccardo Calafiori, Ben White and Bukayo Saka are among those currently dealing with injuries. The latter of those is now expected to spend some time away from London Colney with Arteta believing he should go on holiday.

"Yes, he needs to," Arteta admitted in his press conference last Friday when asked if Saka should take time off. "He is obligated to go, with his girlfriend, or his family, or on his own, he can choose.

"He needs to get away for a few days and refresh. He can still do a lot of things with his rehabilitation because it is the perfect stage. It will make him better."