Mikel Arteta delivers stunning injury update on Arsenal star William Saliba

The Frenchman has missed the last six weeks with a back injury that has mystified Arsenal’s medical team.

Saliba had initially been pencilled in to return after the international break and with everyone passing week Arteta has been hopeful that the defender would return.

But Saliba has been unable to return to training and Arsenal have sorely missed the commanding defender as they’ve taken three points from their last 12.

Arsenal face Chelsea at the Emirates on Tuesday as they look to get their title bid back on track.

But Saliba will once again be unavailable, with Arteta admitting he’s no closer to a return.

Asked about Saliba’s condition, Arteta replied: ‘Pretty similar. He is not going to be involved tomorrow.’

‘We have to wait to the next game to see where we are are. He hasn’t improved this week at all.’

Manchester City beat Fulham 2-1 on Sunday to leapfrog Arsenal in the title race.

Pep Guardiola’s side have a point lead, having played one game fewer than the Gunners.