Jurrien Timber is the latest player sidelined after he missed Wednesday’s Champions League win against Club Brugge, when Christian Norgaard had to play as an emergency centre-back with William Saliba not ready to return and Gabriel and Cristhian Mosquera both out.

Piero Hincapié and Jurriën Timber got the nod in defence, flanked on either side by Riccardo Calafiori and Ben White. The makeshift backline could not withstand Unai Emery’s in-form Villans, though, and were left stunned when the final whistle blew in Birmingham.

Both Declan Rice and William Saliba will miss Arsenal ’s trip to face Club Brugge in the Champions League on Wednesday as Mikel Arteta addresses their fitness issues. The Gunners are looking to bounce back after their Premier League defeat to Aston Villa at the weekend, which has seen their lead at the top of the table cut.

Arsenal star William Saliba was unexpectedly out injured for the huge Premier League clash against Chelsea and Mikel Arteta has issued the latest update.

The summer signing was deputising for the injured pair of William Saliba and Gabriel in Arsenal’s 2–0 win over Brentford when he picked up a nasty ankle injury and was forced out of the game, much to the frustration of manager Mikel Arteta.

Arsenal will be without William Saliba for the clash at Chelsea after the defender picked up an issue in training as Mikel Arteta has to make do without the Frenchman and Gabriel

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta gives an update on the extent of the injuries to Leandro Trossard, Declan Rice and William Saliba ahead of the team's game against Club Brugge.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has admitted centre back William Saliba is on the cusp of returning from injury, but defensive partner Gabriel will need longer on the sidelines.