Arsenal defender ruled out of Southampton trip on Premier League final day

Arsenal will be without defender William Saliba for their season-ending Premier League clash against Southampton due to a hamstring injury—a huge Saliba Injury blow for Arsenal.

Arsenal will be without key defender William Saliba for their final Premier League match of the season against Southampton, as the Saliba Injury blow forces the French centre-back to remain sidelined. The talented defender suffered a hamstring injury during Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over Newcastle United, which ultimately ruled him out of the crucial season finale.

Manager Mikel Arteta confirmed that Saliba will be sidelined for “a few weeks,” meaning he will miss the crucial season finale. This injury also raises concerns about his availability for France’s Nations League Finals, where Didier Deschamps’ squad is set to face Spain in the semi-finals on June 5.

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Saliba of Arsenal looks on during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Round of 16 first leg match between PSV and Arsenal FC at the Philips Stadion on March 4, 2025 in Eindhoven, Netherlands. (Photo by Rene Nijhuis/MB Media/Getty Images)

Adding to Arsenal’s defensive woes, Jurrien Timber has also been ruled out after undergoing ankle surgery earlier this week. The Dutch defender, who has made 48 appearances this season, is expected to be out for several weeks.

Jurrien Timber is also expected to miss the final game because he is scheduled for surgery. (Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images)

With Gabriel Magalhães already sidelined since April due to a more serious hamstring injury, Arsenal will head into their final match without much of their first-choice defensive lineup. Ben White is likely to continue at right-back, while Riccardo Calafiori is expected to partner Jakub Kiwior in central defense.

Despite these setbacks, Arsenal has already secured Champions League qualification for next season, and their second-place finish is nearly guaranteed. Only a defeat to Southampton combined with an extraordinary goal-difference swing could see them drop down the table.

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