LONDON — Arsenal are without star center back William Saliba for their home game against Aston Villa.

Saliba hasn’t missed a game through injury this season but is said to have a ‘minor issue’ according to Arsenal, with reports suggesting he has a tight hamstring after the midweek win against Tottenham.

In Saliba’s absence, Mikel Arteta will play Thomas Partey at right back with Jurrien Timber slotting over to center back.

Arteta explains Saliba injury issue

“I don’t think it’s so much. He couldn’t train yesterday and he wasn’t feeling good enough to play. We need to do further tests to see what has gone on,” Arteta told our partners in the UK at Sky Sports.

“We have to face it and go again.”

Saliba not worth the risk

With Arsenal having a pivotal stretch of games coming up, it’s not worth risking Saliba.

The French central defender is crucial to Arsenal’s title hopes and if he’s out for an extended period of time it will hit Arsenal hard.

Wrapping Saliba in cotton wool is a smart move from Arteta.