Saliba injury: Keown says Arsenal don't need new centre-back

With William Saliba sidelined by a back injury, Martin Keown believes Arsenal's young defenders can step up.

W. Saliba

player

View profile →

What happened. William Saliba aggravated a back injury at the World Cup and will miss a chunk of the season, but Martin Keown says Arsenal don't need to buy a replacement.

• Keown impressed by Cristhian Mosquera and Marli Salmon in pre-season.
• Salmon looked good against Como and is progressing nicely.
• Keown: 'I don't think there's a necessity to buy a central defender.'

“I don't think there's a necessity to buy a central defender.”

— Martin Keown

Arsenal will rely on existing options like Mosquera and Salmon to cover Saliba's absence.

In this story

ArsenalW. Saliba

More to read

CaughtOffside

Who should Arsenal sign to cover for Saliba? Three possible options for Mikel Arteta

The Guardian

Arsenal step up push for defensive cover with Timber and Saliba sidelined

CaughtOffside

Mikel Arteta confirms Arsenal injury blow as two key players set to miss start of season

Daily Mail Football

Mikel Arteta provides gloomy injury update on William Saliba and Jurrien Timber just two weeks before Arsenal's title defence starts